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I'm going to remove the navbox with collapsible groups from the body of the article, except for the overview section, which I'll leave as the new body. The article should be formatted as paragraphs of running prose, rather than as a navbox with collapsible groups. Besides not conforming to guidelines for how a Wikipedia article should be laid out, the navbox is difficult to update. Also, most of it consists of quotes, instead of original prose written by editors. But it does contain a number of links that could be useful for updating the article, so I'm copying it to the talk page, below. — Mudwater (Talk) 02:19, 3 January 2013 (UTC)[reply]
The Constitution of West Virginia protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms.[1] West Virginia preempts local regulation of several aspects of firearms, though local regulations which were in effect prior to 1999 were grandfathered.[2][3][4] Further, State agencies and institutions are not precluded from enacting laws which regulate firearms.[5] Charleston, Dunbar, and South Charleston are known to have grandfathered local ordinances which prohibit weapons on city property and in city buildings. The City of Martinsburg is known to have a local ordinance that was passed after 1999, which prohibits weapons in city buildings, that is not grandfathered.[6][7][8]
There are no firearms known to be prohibited by State law. Prohibited places include correctional facilities, primary and secondary school property; buses; and events, courthouses, the State Capitol Complex and grounds, private property where posted, certain areas in Charleston, Dunbar, and South Charleston.[9] There are age restrictions on the possession of firearms and some people are prohibited from possessing firearms due to certain criminal convictions or naturalization status. Private sales of firearms, including handguns, are legal and do not require the seller to perform a background check; however, it is unlawful to sell a firearm to a prohibited person.[2][3]
Open carry of a handgun without a permit is legal in West Virginia at age 18, withstanding other applicable laws. Concealed carry of a handgun is prohibited except for persons who hold a valid license or who hold certain positions. West Virginia shall issue a license to carry a concealed handgun to applicants over 21 years of age; or 18 years of age if required for employment; provided that they meet certain safety training requirements and do not have any disqualifying criminal convictions.[2][3]
Localities may not regulate the purchase, possession, transfer, ownership, carry, transportation, sale or storage of any revolver, pistol, rifle or shotgun or any ammunition or ammunition components, except ordinances that were in place prior to 1999.[6]
Charleston City Code § 78–163
Carrying a concealable weapon on or about one's person in Charleston without a state license is prohibited. This statute applies to weapons that are carried openly, but are concealable.[7]
Charleston City Code § 78–165
Carrying a deadly weapon on Charleston city-owned property is prohibited, except law-enforcement officers.[7]
Dunbar City Code § 545.13
Carrying a firearm into City Hall, any municipal building, or a public park in the City of Dunbar is prohibited.[9]
South Charleston City Code § 545.15
Carrying a firearm into any city-owned building, park, or recreation area in the City of South Charleston is prohibited.[9]
Martinsburg City Code § 545.14 (2005)
Prohibits the carry or possession of a firearm, either openly or concealed, on any public property or in any building owned or under the control of the City of Martinsburg. According to the West Virginia Citizens Defense League, this ordinance is not enforceable since it was enacted after the State preemption law took effect.[8]
Carrying a concealable weapon on or about one's person in Charleston without a state license is prohibited. This statute applies to weapons that are carried openly, but are concealable.[7]
Charleston City Code § 78–165
Carrying a deadly weapon on Charleston city-owned property is prohibited, except law-enforcement officers.[7]
Dunbar City Code § 545.13
Carrying a firearm into City Hall, any municipal building, or a public park in the City of Dunbar is prohibited.[9]
South Charleston City Code § 545.15
Carrying a firearm into any city-owned building, park, or recreation area in the City of South Charleston is prohibited.[9]
Martinsburg City Code § 545.14 (2005)
Prohibits the carry or possession of a firearm, either openly or concealed, on any public property or in any building owned or under the control of the City of Martinsburg. According to the West Virginia Citizens Defense League, this ordinance is not enforceable since it was enacted after the State preemption law took effect.[8]
Persons convicted in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year;
Habitual alcohol addict;
Unlawful use of any controlled substance;
Adjudicated as a mental defective or involuntarily committed to a mental institution;
An alien illegally or unlawfully in the United States;
Discharged from the armed forces under dishonorable conditions;
Subject to a domestic violence protective order, under some circumstances;
Convicted of a misdemeanor offense of assault or battery, in which the victim was a particular person, such as a current or former spouse or partner, roommate, parent or guardian, or member of the defendant's household at the time of the offense;
Convicted of a felony crime of violence or a felony sexual offense;
Convicted of a felony controlled substance offense involving a Schedule I controlled substance other than marijuana, or Schedule II or Schedule III controlled substance and who possessed a firearm.
Certain prohibited persons may be eligible to have their firearm rights restored.
Private sales of firearms, including handguns, are legal and do not require the seller to perform a background check; however, it is unlawful to sell a firearm to a prohibited person.
The West Virginia Attorney General is authorized to enter into and execute reciprocity agreements on behalf of the State of West Virginia as long as they meet certain standards and requirements.
The West Virginia State Police and the West Virginia Attorney General maintain a registry of states with which the State of West Virginia has entered into reciprocity agreements.[11]
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