The West Virginia Senate on Tuesday overwhelmingly passed a bill that would allow 18- to 20-year-olds to carry concealed weapons without a permit.
Lawmakers approved a committee substitute for Senate Bill 30 by a 33-1 vote after four days of consideration and three readings. Current law prohibits anyone under 21 from carrying a deadly weapon without a license.
The measure would permit those under 21 to carry concealed firearms without obtaining a license. It also clarifies where minors under 18 may legally possess a firearm, including on family property, while target shooting or while hunting.
The bill now moves to the House of Delegates, where lawmakers must also pass it before it can take effect.