Virginia – The West Virginia Senate passed a Bill that would exempt current and valid permit to carry holders from going through the FBI National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). Senate Bill 353 won unanimously by a 34 to 0 vote in favor of the Bill.

The Senate Bill, introduced by state Senate Majority Leader John Unger and Senate President Jeff Kessler, will now go to the House of Delegates for consideration. The Processing of firearm purchases would be greatly expedited for persons with a valid carry permit since they have already cleared a background check.

Mere moments from the passing of Senate Bill 353, Delegate Pogge’s House Bill 375 (HB 375) was also passed, receiving a vote of 23 to 17 in favor of the bill. This Bill allows government employees to store and carry firearms in their privately owned vehicles during work hours. Changes made during the senate hearing is up for consideration after which the bill will then head to the Governor’s Desk.