Monday, March 9, 2026
West Virginia Senate President Kills Machine Gun Bill - Ammoland.com
In a move that has triggered debate among gun rights advocates and lawmakers, West Virginia Senate Bill 1071, commonly referred to as the “Machine Gun Bill,” will not proceed in the current legislative session. Senate President Randy Smith (R-Preston) announced his decision to block the bill, citing what he calls significant legal and drafting issues rather than any opposition to Second Amendment rights.
The bill, introduced late in the session, aimed to expand access to fully automatic machine guns for eligible West Virginia residents. Specifically, it advocated creating the Office of Public Defense within the West Virginia State Police, which would oversee the purchase, sale, and distribution of machine guns to individuals for state defense purposes. Supporters contend the bill aligns with Second Amendment protections, bolsters personal and community security, while complying with federal background check requirements.
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