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HB 2959

Repeal the West Virginia machinegun ban

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chuck Horst and 1 co-sponsor

HB 2959: Repeal the West Virginia Machinegun Ban OverviewBill Number: HB 2959 Title: Repeal the West Virginia Machinegun Ban Status: To House Judiciary Introduced: February 18,

To House Judiciary
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Bill Summary · HB 2959

HB 2959: Repeal the West Virginia Machinegun Ban

Overview

Bill Number: HB 2959
Title: Repeal the West Virginia Machinegun Ban
Status: To House Judiciary
Introduced: February 18, 2025

Purpose and Intent

This bill seeks to repeal the existing ban on the possession, sale, and transfer of machineguns within the state of West Virginia. The primary rationale is to restore the right of law-abiding citizens to own and use these firearms for lawful purposes such as self-defense, recreational shooting, and collection.

Key Provisions

  • Repeals the current prohibition on the manufacture, sale, purchase, possession, or transfer of machineguns within West Virginia
  • Removes all criminal penalties associated with the possession or use of machineguns
  • Allows for the legal ownership, sale, and transfer of machineguns, subject to any applicable federal laws and regulations

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Current owners of machineguns would no longer face criminal liability for possession
  • Firearms dealers and manufacturers would be able to sell and transfer machineguns to eligible buyers within the state
  • Law enforcement would no longer have the authority to confiscate or prosecute individuals for machinegun ownership
  • Potential increase in the availability and use of machineguns among the general public in West Virginia

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

HB 2959 has been introduced in the West Virginia House of Representatives and has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee for further consideration. If passed by the committee, the bill would then proceed to a full vote in the House. If approved by the House, it would then move to the State Senate for consideration before potentially being signed into law by the governor.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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