CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A newly introduced bill in the West Virginia House of Delegates would expand concealed carry rights to adults aged 18 to 20, removing licensing requirements currently tied to that age group.
House Bill 4106, introduced by Delegate Chuck Horst during the 2026 Regular Session, proposes changes to state firearms law that would allow eligible adults 18 and older to carry a concealed deadly weapon without first obtaining a permit. Under current law, permitless concealed carry generally applies only to those 21 and older.
If passed, the bill would repeal an existing section of state code that makes it a crime for individuals under 21 to carry a concealed weapon without a license. The legislation also removes specific exceptions that currently limit when 18- to 20-year-olds may carry concealed handguns, effectively placing them under the same rules as other legal adults.
Supporters of the bill argue that 18-year-olds are already considered adults under the law and should have the same Second Amendment rights as those over 21. The bill’s stated purpose is to “recognize the right of persons 18–20 years of age to carry a deadly weapon without first obtaining a license.”
The proposal does not change who is prohibited from possessing a firearm. Individuals convicted of certain felonies, domestic violence offenses, or those subject to protective orders would still be barred from carrying weapons. Federal restrictions would also continue to apply.
The bill also clarifies that minors under the age of 18 remain prohibited from carrying deadly weapons, except in limited circumstances such as hunting or on family property. Juveniles who unlawfully possess a weapon could still be adjudicated delinquent under state law.
House Bill 4106 has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee, where it will be considered before any further action is taken.
If approved by the Legislature and signed into law, the change would make West Virginia one of the states allowing permitless concealed carry beginning at age 18.
