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Council sends ordinance to align weapons-license rules with state law to second reading
Summary
Council voted on Oct. 6 to send an ordinance amending local licensing for carrying weapons to a second reading; council members referenced the state's 'constitutional carry' rules for firearms and discussed whether the city ordinance should mirror state law.
St. Albans City Council voted Oct. 6 to send an ordinance amending local licensing requirements for carrying weapons to second reading.
Councilman Klushman introduced the item and said his intent was to align the city's ordinance with state law on firearms. During discussion members noted West Virginia's constitutional-carry approach for firearms and debated how to treat knives or other weapons that might still fall under local licensing. Council members observed that weapons charges typically move to higher courts, not city court, affecting how enforcement would proceed.
The council moved the ordinance to second reading on a voice vote. The motion and technical details of any knife-specific language will be addressed in later drafting and the second-reading process.
Why it matters: Amending local code to reflect state law can reduce conflicting rules and clarify enforcement for residents and law enforcement. Council members flagged open questions about specific weapon categories and suggested the language may be refined before final adoption.
Next steps: The ordinance will return for a second reading where council can amend language on knives or other items before a final vote.
