WV SB597

Amends §61-6-19 to explicitly permit lawful carrying of deadly weapons, firearms, and pepper spray of any size on sidewalks and streets that directly border and surround the State Capitol Complex grounds

Current law prohibits bringing deadly weapons onto the State Capitol Complex, with exceptions for firearms stored in locked vehicles out of view and pepper spray canisters under one ounce

The new exemption applies specifically to public sidewalks and streets surrounding the complex, not the complex grounds themselves

Law enforcement officers acting in official capacity remain exempt from weapons restrictions on the complex

Violation of weapons restrictions on the State Capitol Complex remains a misdemeanor punishable by up to $100 fine, up to six months in jail, or both