Current:Home > ScamsCampus carry weapons law debuts in West Virginia, joins 11 other states -Prime Money Path
Campus carry weapons law debuts in West Virginia, joins 11 other states
View
Date:2025-04-17 17:06:59
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — People with concealed carry permits can possess firearms on West Virginia public college and university campuses under a state law that debuted Monday.
Institutions of higher learning can implement exceptions to the law, which bans the open carry of a firearm on campus.
Similar legislation has passed in 11 other states.
As the bill moved through the Legislature last year, the presidents of West Virginia’s largest schools told lawmakers that decisions about whether or not to allow guns on campus should be left to the institutions. They also voiced concerns about students struggling with mental health challenges.
When Republican Gov. Jim Justice signed the law in March 2023 he said he wanted the law to “send a message to the world, by God, if you want to mess with us, we can mess back.”
Schools are permitted to regulate firearms in residence halls, but not in common areas, including lounges, dining areas and study areas. The law also prohibits people from taking guns into areas with a capacity of more than 1,000 spectators — stadiums for football games, for example — or to on-campus daycare centers.
Exceptions to the law are allowed in rooms where a student or employee disciplinary proceeding is being held. Also, guns can be restricted in specifically designated areas where patient care or mental health counseling is being provided.
Colleges and universities must provide a secure location for storage of a pistol or revolver in at least one on-campus residence hall or to make safes available in residence rooms, which could come with a fee.
West Virginia University formed a campus safety group to address the law. Gun lockers are available to students living in residence halls for $140 per semester, said Dean of Students Corey Farris. He said the university has received five requests for gun lockers across its campuses, including four in Morgantown. The university has estimated it will cost $1 million to implement the law.
veryGood! (6317)
Related
- The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
- Texas head-on crash: Details emerge in wreck that killed 6, injured 3
- Mbongeni Ngema, South African playwright and 'Sarafina!' creator, dead at 68
- Fox News Mourns Deaths of Colleagues Matt Napolitano and Adam Petlin
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- White House upholds trade ban on Apple Watches after accusations of patent infringement
- Trump back on ballot in Colorado while state Republicans appeal ban to Supreme Court
- Bills player Von Miller calls domestic abuse allegations made against him ‘100% false’
- US wholesale inflation accelerated in November in sign that some price pressures remain elevated
- Grinch, driving distracted, crashes car into New Hampshire business on Christmas: Police
Ranking
- 'Kraven the Hunter' spoilers! Let's dig into that twisty ending, supervillain reveal
- Deutsche Bank pledges nearly $5 million to help combat human trafficking in New Mexico
- Pamela Anderson's Latest Makeup-Free Look Is Simply Stunning
- Skull found in 1986 identified as missing casino nurse, authorities say
- Grammy nominee Teddy Swims on love, growth and embracing change
- China appoints a new defense minister after months of uncertainty following sacking of predecessor
- Toyota to replace blue hybrid badges as brand shifts gears
- Indonesia’s navy pushes a boat suspected of carrying Rohingya refugees out of its waters
Recommendation
Trump invites nearly all federal workers to quit now, get paid through September
Chick-fil-A rest stop locations should stay open on Sundays, some New York lawmakers argue
Stock market today: Stocks edge higher in muted holiday trading on Wall Street
Wanted: Colorado mother considered 'primary suspect' in death of 2 of her children
Bill Belichick's salary at North Carolina: School releases football coach's contract details
A rebel group in the Indian state of Assam signs a peace accord with the government
Russell Wilson's next stop? Eight NFL teams could be fits if Broncos dump benched QB
More states extend health coverage to immigrants even as issue inflames GOP