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West Virginia Campus Self-Defense Act

In 2023, the West Virginia Legislature passed the Campus Self-Defense Act. The Act was signed into law by Governor Jim Justice and takes effect on July 1, 2024. In West Virginia, it is unlawful to possess, store, or carry a deadly and/or destructive weapon on Bluefield State University property unless the individual is legally permitted to do so or he or she meets the requirements of the Campus Self-Defense Act. The Act allows a person to carry a concealed pistol or revolver on the grounds of an institution of higher education, with some exceptions, if that person has a current and valid license to carry a concealed deadly weapon in West Virginia.

It is the responsibility of lawful weapons carriers who carry a weapon on campus to know the law and Bluefield State procedures/rules and understand where they can go while carrying. Failure to follow the law and Bluefield State procedures and rules may result in referral of an individual to appropriate law enforcement personnel for possible prosecution and/or disciplinary action including, but not limited to, dismissal or termination.

The University does not provide legal advice or assistance. It is the responsibility of those seeking to carry deadly weapons on campus under the provisions of the Campus Self-Defense Act to consult with an attorney of their own choosing at their expense should they have any questions.

Campus Carry FAQs

Until July 1, 2024, the answer is no. BSU prohibits the possession or storage of deadly weapons and/or destructive devices on BSU property. This includes storage of such weapons or devices in state vehicles and in offices and desks, whether locked or unlocked. A desk is not an extension of a person unless the person is actually at the desk and the weapon is within arms-length, thereby coming within the term, “on or about the person.”

July 1, 2024, is the take-effect date for the Campus Self-Defense Act. This Act provides a limited exception to the prohibition on the possession or storage of deadly weapons and/or destructive devices on BSU property.

Passed by the West Virginia Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Jim Justice in 2023, the Campus Self-Defense Act allows a person to carry a concealed pistol or revolver on the grounds of an institution of higher education, with some exceptions, if that person has a current and valid license to carry a concealed deadly weapon. The law applies to on-campus locations and BSU property, with exceptions. Licenses to carry a concealed weapon are issued by the State of West Virginia pursuant to §61-7-4, §61-7-4a or recognized by §61-7-6a of the WV Code.

Bluefield State University is following the state law passed by the West Virginia Legislature and signed by Gov. Jim Justice in 2023. All higher education institutions in West Virginia are required to adhere to the Campus Self-Defense Act. Bluefield State University is dedicated to ensuring a secure atmosphere for all students, staff, university associates, and guests, while also honoring the rights of individuals who are licensed to carry a handgun in accordance with West Virginia law. Bluefield State University is bound to adhere strictly to West Virginia statutes and cannot implement policies or measures that contravene state law.

It is the responsibility of any individual who seeks to carry a concealed deadly weapon on BSU property to be aware of, to know and to follow the law of West Virginia. BSU will not advise or counsel any individual on the law, the Campus Self-Defense Act, or the requirements necessary to lawfully carry a concealed deadly weapon on BSU property. Any individual with legal questions should consult an attorney of their choice. Failure to follow West Virginia law and/or any policies, rules or procedures related to the implementation of the Campus Self-Defense Act or campus conduct may result in a referral to appropriate law enforcement agencies and/or disciplinary action.

The term, “dangerous weapon,” includes, but is not limited to, firearms; knives other than folding pocket knives with blades three-and-one-half inches long or less or those used for food preparation; bladed weapons such as swords, razors or arrows; ammunition; explosives or explosive devices; nun-chucks; tasers or stun guns; and throwing devices with sharp or pointed edges.

Pistol is defined as “a short firearm having a chamber which is integral with the barrel, designed to be aimed and fired by the use of a single hand.”

Revolver is defined as “a short firearm having a cylinder of several chambers that are brought successively into line with the barrel to be discharged, designed to be aimed and fired by the use of a single hand.”

“By the use of a single hand” is the key phrase. Also, the pistol or revolver must be concealed and carried by a person who is licensed to do so.

No. Only people who are licensed to carry a concealed pistol or revolver will be permitted to have the weapons in areas where they are allowed, and the weapons must not be visible. A concealed weapon is one which cannot be seen directly or by shape under clothing. Furthermore, all concealed weapons must be on or about the person (i.e., a personal weapon), which includes a purse or backpack so long as the purse or backpack is on the person or within an arms-length of the person. A weapon may not be stored in a desk, locked or otherwise, or at any other site other than out of sight in a locked personal vehicle or at an approved storage locker in the Medical Education Center lobby.

This law permits a very limited exception to the general prohibition of firearms, deadly weapons and/or dangerous objects at Bluefield State.

Generally, yes, if the license is also valid and legal for carrying concealed in West Virginia. Consideration should be given to laws regarding states with reciprocity with West Virginia.

Individuals under the age of twenty-one possessing a concealed carry license from another state should consult applicable law and/or an attorney of their choice to ensure that such an individual may validly carry a concealed deadly weapon in West Virginia. BSU will not provide legal advice on this issue. It is the responsibility of the individual, not Bluefield State, to make sure that the individual lawfully comes within the exception to the general prohibition of firearms, deadly weapons and/or dangerous objects at Bluefield State.

See the Office of the West Virginia Attorney General’s reciprocity list.

Yes.

Although West Virginia is a constitutional carry state, a license to carry a concealed deadly weapon may provide that person with some additional rights to carry a weapon in places where it might otherwise be prohibited, including other states or in specific areas on college campuses in West Virginia. The law regarding constitutional carry does not exempt an individual from the general prohibition of firearms, deadly weapons and/or dangerous objects at Bluefield State. To come within the carry concealed exception to the general prohibition, an individual must meet all of the requirements of the carry concealed statute. It is the responsibility of the individual, not Bluefield State, to ensure this is done.

In West Virginia, applications for concealed carry permits are processed through sheriff’s departments in counties of residence. Non-residents should consult the laws of their state.

West Virginia law requires the completion of an approved training course in handling and firing a handgun “with live firing of ammunition by the applicant.”

The Campus Self-Defense Act does not require any specific additional training.

The West Virginia Attorney General’s Office published A Guide to Concealed Handgun Laws in West Virginia in July 2020, and it contains a significant amount of useful information for those wanting to learn more about the gun laws in West Virginia.

Of particular note, the guide states that: “West Virginia recognizes the right of persons who are 21 years of age or older, not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm, and United States citizens or legal residents thereof to carry a concealed weapon within the state without first obtaining a concealed handgun license (“CHL”). This is commonly known as ‘constitutional carry.’”

No. The following states provide for some form of campus carry: Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Mississippi, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah and Wisconsin. Each state has its own specific requirements and limitations.

Yes.

Yes.

No. However, all West Virginia laws relating to the carrying of weapons are applicable and individuals are responsible for knowing and following such laws.

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