WEST virginia legislature

2026 regular session

ENGROSSED

Committee Substitute

for

House Bill 5182

By Delegates Phillips, B. Ward, Heckert, Masters, Marple, Martin, Funkhouser, Roop, Ridenour, Jennings, and Flanigan

[Originating in the Committee on the Judiciary;
Reported on February 12, 2026]

A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §36-8A-8, relating generally to authorizing security personnel employed by the State Treasurer to carry concealed weapons while performing his or her official duties; setting forth requirements for authorization to carry concealed weapons; authorizing the Treasurer to reimburse for the cost of training and requalification; and providing liability protections for security personnel while performing official duties.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

ARTICLE 8A. UNCLAIMED STOLEN PROPERTY HELD BY LAW-ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES.

§36-8A-8. State Treasurer’s security personnel authority to carry concealed weapons.

(a) The State Treasurer may allow, consistent with the provisions of this section, security personnel to carry a concealed firearm while performing his or her official duties.

(b) Security personnel employed by the State Treasurer may carry a concealed firearm approved by the State Treasurer solely for purposes of defense of self or others if the individual has:

(1) Obtained the written authorization by the State Treasurer;

(2) Been determined not to be prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law;

(3) Obtained and maintains a concealed handgun license pursuant to §61-7-1 et seq. of this code; and

(4) Successfully completed a firearms training and certification program equivalent to that provided to officers attending the entry level law-enforcement certification course provided at the West Virginia State Police Academy pursuant to §30-29-1 et seq. of this code. The individual must thereafter successfully complete an annual firearms qualification equivalent to that required of certified law-enforcement officers pursuant to §30-29-1 et seq. of this code. The State Treasurer may reimburse security personnel for the cost of the training and requalification.

(c) Neither the state, a political subdivision, an agency nor an employee of the state acting in an official capacity, may be held personally liable for an act of security personnel employed by the State Treasurer if the act or omission was done in good faith while the individual was performing official duties or responsibilities under the office of the State Treasurer.