Staff Reports
West Virginia has expanded constitutional carry to include 18- to 20-year-olds. Governor Patrick Morrisey signed House Bill 4106, and the change becomes effective June 12, 2026. That means law-abiding adults in that age group may now carry a concealed handgun without a state permit, so long as they are not otherwise disqualified by state or federal law.
What the new law actually does
HB 4106 removes the statewide licensing requirement that previously applied to 18- to 20-year-olds who wanted to carry concealed. Before this change, those young adults could open carry but had to obtain a provisional concealed-weapon license — with classes and fees — to carry hidden. The bill amends the state code sections that govern concealed weapons and leaves intact the usual exceptions: places where firearms are already prohibited and federal rules that bar certain people from having guns. Young West Virginians who want interstate reciprocity can still apply for a license if they choose.
How the politics played out
The legislature moved the bill through with strong support in both chambers, and the Senate recorded an overwhelming margin in favor. Supporters argued this simply lines up 18- to 20-year-olds with other adult responsibilities and rights. Delegate Chuck Horst, the bill’s lead sponsor, said the change protects adults who can already open carry. Governor Patrick Morrisey framed his package of signed bills as measures to “grow our workforce, protect our communities, and make state government more efficient,” and HB 4106 was part of that roster.
Critics, safety concerns, and the common-sense response
Opponents raised real concerns during the debate. Doctors and public-health voices warned that firearm deaths are a leading cause of death among young people and cited impulsive behavior and substance risks among 18- to 20-year-olds. Those points deserve attention. But public safety is best served by trusting law-abiding adults while encouraging training, mental-health resources, and responsible storage — not by treating every 18-year-old like a permanent menace. The law still allows training and licensing for those who want it, and local authorities can and should issue guidance on on-the-ground enforcement and officer contacts.
Bottom line: rights, responsibility, and the next steps
This is a clear win for the Second Amendment and for parity in adult rights in West Virginia. The state made a deliberate choice: adults who can vote, work, and serve should also have the right to defend themselves without jumping through extra hoops. That does not mean skipping commonsense measures. Lawmakers, sheriffs, and community leaders should now focus on implementation: informing citizens, clarifying reciprocity issues, and promoting voluntary training. If you want freedom, you also push responsibility — and West Virginia just nudged both in the same direction.
