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WV HB4169
Bill
Status
Enrolled
3/11/2026
Primary Sponsor
Ian Masters
Click for details
AI Summary
- Expands the types of mental health professionals authorized to conduct examinations for petitions to regain firearm rights after mental health-related prohibitions
- Currently only licensed psychologists or psychiatrists may certify mental competency; the bill adds licensed professional counselors, licensed independent clinical social workers, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and physician's assistants with psychiatric specialization
- Aligns the mental health examination requirements for firearm rights restoration with the professional standards already used for involuntary hospitalization proceedings under West Virginia law
- Applies to individuals prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior adjudication as mentally defective or involuntary commitment to a mental institution
- Mental health certification must still occur within 30 days prior to filing the petition and must support that the petitioner is competent and not dangerous to public safety
Legislative Description
Relating to mental health examination requirements.
Health
Last Action
House received Senate message
3/13/2026
Committee Referrals
Judiciary1/30/2026
Judiciary1/19/2026
Legal Services1/19/2026
Judiciary1/14/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available