Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Three West Virginia Gun Bills Being Considered


Senate Bill 149, introduced by state Senate Majority Leader John Unger (D-16), would mandate police authorities return all seized firearms, not currently being held as evidence in a criminal investigation, to the lawful owner if able.  If the lawful owner is not found or unable to take possession of the firearm, SB 149 would require these agencies to sell these firearms at a public auction to a licensed firearms dealer.  Current West Virginia law allows for seized guns to be immediately destroyed.  SB 149 would prevent the wasteful and expensive practice of destroying firearms that could be re-circulated through licensed dealers to the retail market.  

Senate Bill 353, introduced by state Senate President Jeff Kessler (D-2) and Senate Majority Leader Unger, would expedite the process of purchasing a firearm for valid concealed carry permit holders by making West Virginia eligible for an exemption from the FBI National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).  Such carry permit holders have already cleared a background check.  This legislation would further conform state law to federal law and lead to greater reciprocity for permit holders throughout the United States.

Senate Bill 478, also sponsored by state Senator Unger, would create an apprentice hunting license that is available to West Virginia residents and non-residents alike.  The licenses established pursuant to SB 478 are similar to current youth hunting licenses but would be available to apprentice hunters of any age.  Apprentice hunters will be encouraged to go afield while under the supervision of a person eighteen years of age or older who possesses a valid West Virginia hunting license.  This would allow the “apprentice” to be introduced to hunting without having to take the otherwise required hunter education course.

I would have to say no to that middle one. The other two can pass, I suppose.

What's your opinion? Please leave a comment.

10 comments:

  1. "I would have to say no to that middle one. The other two can pass, I suppose."

    I can live with that. See how compromise works?

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  2. I would have to say no to that middle one
    You may want to rethink your position. I just did a comparison on Brady's top scoring states v the states with most lenient gun laws. Seems that states with the most lenient gun laws have a lower violent crime rate and lower murder rate.
    Violent Crime Murder rate
    Brady top 10 367.12 4.31
    Baldwin top 10 260.67 2.34

    You can see the complete results here

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  3. A strong yes to all three.

    Bill, your link didn't work. Try again, please, as I'd like to see what you came up with.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. html markup isn't working with the page address. try
      http://wildbillbaldwin.blogspot.com/2012/03/brady-bunch-score-card-fail.html

      If link doesn't work use
      http://wildbillbaldwin.blogspot.com
      it's the most recent post.

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    2. Thanks. Let's see if Mikeb has anything to say about your numbers.

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  4. Mikeb, why would you say no to the middle item? We have the same law in Arkansas without problem.

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    Replies
    1. "Without problem," I seriously doubt that, Greg.

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    2. As I keep reminding you, concealed carry license holders have a far better record of behavior than the general population. Every group has its problem people, but we have many fewer than others.

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    3. As I keep reminding you, I don't believe that.

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    4. You sound like a person who denies biological evolution. I just don't believe that, the person says. You don't believe it because you don't want to do so, but that doesn't change the facts that you consistently ignore.

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