Gov. Tomblin vetoed another Constitutional carry bill this Thursday. (Photo: Gov. Tomblin)
Last year, right around this time of the year, West Virginia Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin vetoed a permit-less or Constitutional carry bill citing concerns for law enforcement officers.
Well, on Thursday, Gov. Tomblin did the same exact thing once again standing in the way of a law-abiding citizen’s right to keep and bear arms as the Constitution intended.
At a news conference where various local law enforcement agencies were in attendance, the Democratic governor explained why he shot down the bill for the second year in a row.
“I have been listening, and today [Thursday] I stand with you for the safety of the men, women and children who call our state home,” the governor said, according to local media. “Our law enforcement officers have dedicated their lives to keeping us safe. Now it’s time for us to return the favor and veto HB4145.”
Under the language of the bill, all law-abiding citizens over the age of 21 would be allowed to carry a concealed firearm for self-defense without a permit. Additionally, citizens between the ages of 18-21 would be allowed to apply for a concealed carry permit, provided they undergo training for which they would receive a tax credit.
Under current law, citizens over the age of 21 can openly carry a firearm for self-defense without a permit, which raises the question of consistency. Why is the governor fine with permit-less open carry, but not permit-less concealed carry?
Without speculating too much, it could be a money thing. Tomblin may not want to say good by to the revenue as the current concealed carry issuing fee in West Virginia is $100. If HB4145 were to pass, the government would no longer collect that fee. Again, this is pure speculation. But when it comes to politics, it’s more often than not about money.
The bill received overwhelming support in both chambers, clearing the state House by a vote of 61 to 31 and the state Senate by a vote of 24 to 9. Given that the last day of the legislative session is March 12, the Legislature has plenty of time to override the veto.
Meanwhile, the NRA expressed their disappointment that Tomblin vetoed the bill.
“Gov. Tomblin’s decision to veto this bill is unfortunate, especially considering the significant support HB 4145 had from both sides of the aisle,” said Dakota Moore, NRA-ILA West Virginia liaison. “We’re hopeful that, in going back to the legislature, each chamber will promptly reaffirm the rights of law-abiding individuals.”
We’ll keep you posted on HB4145. Unlike last year, chances are this time around it’s got enough support to override the governor’s veto.
veto was over ridden
The Democrats of today must be removed from society. They have become infected with Communists/ Marxists/Socialists bent on destroying the Constitution. We must not let this happen.
Concerns of the LEO community? Really, I think not. The only LEOs who want gun control are mostly urban liberal appointed police chiefs. Who truth be told are often buffoons, politicians who know nothing about real police work. Just look at the cities they run, Chicago, LA, New Orleans the list of failures is unlimited. Are these the officials whose concerns the GOV was so concerned about?
Concerns of law enforcement? Which LEOs were fearful? Cops normally don’t have anything to fear form the public. Having a permit system, once more, targets lawful citizens that pose no threat to police or public. Those people that are inclined towards violence will carry a gun without a permit. You won’t see criminals lining up for permits, since they normally have prohibitive records. While I was a cop, I simply expected everyone to have a gun. If I was making a routine traffic stop, I felt it was not my business to check pistol permits. People that needed to be arrested, physically taken into custody, did get the extra look. Search them and search the vehicle. Yes, we did find guns. We charged the suspect and seized the weapon. The people without issues should be allowed to practice all of their constitutional rights.
Can we point the finger of guilt only at those “D” voters? Many firearm owners not only do not join the NRA or any Pro-Second Amendment organization, they likely do not subscribe to this site. If so, I assume that they’re content in letting others do their work for them. Too tired or it’s too cold/too hot to vote? Sure, let the others vote the anti-Second Amendment crowd out. If “they” come for my guns, why, I’ll do this I’ll do that, etc.
I’ve heard the lazy firearm owner’s rhetoric far too many times and I don’t campaign for the NRA or anyone/anything. I have, however, watched as lazy, apathetic firearm owners sit-back and do nothing and contribute not one cent to the cause.
If this angers someone, great! Work harder; talk to your friends and their friends. Under this federal regime we must work.
I defend our 2nd Amendment for my nieces and nephews, and their kids. I ask nothing in return. They are mostly being brought up by our schools to hate guns and their owners. I still don’t care. Our 2nd Amendment will be alive and well on my watch. What you’re talking about sounds like a union. expecting non union members to pay dues. This isn’t collective bargaining. It’s our God given, Constitutionally affirmed right to keep and bear arms, which shall not be infringed. I will stand for nothing less and defend it with my life and whatever means at my disposal. It’s the law.
“Why is the governor fine with permit-less open carry, but not permit-less concealed carry?”
I think there are many citizens who, if they knew someone present were carrying a gun without having had any check on his record, would feel endangered and want to leave. So they need to know. I don’t see any way other than to require a permit.
That is one of the pluses and negatives of concealed carry. You can bet though that the criminal doesn’t carry their guns out in the open.. Just once I would love to see one of these lunatics shot full of holes by about 10 concealed carry holders when they do their heinous acts. One thing is for sure. There would be a media blackout. Maybe the governors goons should be made to carry their guns out in the open as well. Oh that is right. Most of those guys are probably ex criminals and couldn’t legally pass a background check anyway.
“A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” Where in there does it say anything about a permit? Or anybody needing to know anything but the law. The highest legal authority in this nation is the document from which those words came. Not any judge, not any lawyer or Democrat governor. Not even the president. Nothing any of them can say will change what’s clearly written there. It’s only a matter of how willing you are to stand up to all of these figures and fight for the truth and the law. If you feel “endangered” then you need to stay at home. Because my rights are written clearly and they are not subject to your irrational fear, or the whimsy of liberal politicians or judges.
When will everyone stop voting for Democrats? It is well past time to vow to never ever again vote for anyone with a “D” behind their name. That one act would eliminate so very many problems created by these leftists.
I haven’t voted for a Democrat in my life, however, much to my dismay, I’m finding that many Republicans aren’t much different. The days of John Wayne, Ronald Reagan and true conservative Republicans have faded into the past.
You nailed it for sure. Gone are all the real men or if not gone they are sure becoming extinct. We are now on 5th generation of a failed social experiment called welfare and the dumbing down and pussifying of the American male. It’s okay to dress your boy up in a dress and makeup and send them to school but try to make them grow up different than what the liberal society and lunatics say is right and we get labeled intolerant, homophobes, out of touch or whatever politically correct name they use this week.
The DemoRATZ just can’t stand the thought of a free people with a constitutional unobstructed access to guns. It is in their DNA!
The governor is all about collecting money for the state. He doesn’t give a hoot about the people who elected him and their rights. Concealed carry isn’t going to be anymore dangerous than open carry. I wonder how much money he is getting from the gun control lobby? The good people of West Virginia should be demanding some answers!
The “GOOD” folks of West VA should be kicking this jerk out and putting in a governor who is more sympathetic to the peoples rights and believes in the second amendment.
recall time for the folks to show that they made a mistake with him and are willing to require their reps to uphold the constitution
While I understand the law enforcement officers concern regarding concealed carry, one must remember that criminals don’t obey gun laws to begin with. Limiting concealed carry to those with permits will only affect law abiding citizens that have neither the time, nor the inclination to take the necessary State required classes for the permit. Personally, I have a concealed carry permit and have mixed feelings about this bill. I think that the educational program is a good thing as it makes one aware of where the law allows concealed carry, and more importantly, where it doesn’t, like Schools, the Courthouse ect. This bill gives Bubba a right to carry a concealed weapon, without letting him know that he may end up in jail for carrying where he shouldn’t, and how serious an offense it is. I very seldom find myself siding with a Democrat, but I if I had to make a call on this one, I’d side with the Governor, and more importantly the Police, whom I respect greatly. Semper Fi
You said it yourself, criminals don’t obey the law, so this legislation would only have helped the honest citizen.
At least the West Virginia Congress should stop the $100 fee, make it absolutely free for every WV citizen to get a conceal carry permit.
God Bless the USA and Springfield Armory!