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CHARLESTON -- Delegate Elias Coop-Gonzalez (R-Randolph) is celebrating a major legislative victory as his bill, the West Virginia Firearms Liability Clarification Act (HB2067), passed the House of Delegates last week with a resounding 91 to 7 vote.
The bill now moves to the Senate Government Organization Committee for further consideration.
"This legislation is a critical step in ensuring that lawful firearms manufacturers and sellers are protected from frivolous lawsuits that threaten our Second Amendment rights," said Delegate Coop-Gonzalez. "I'm proud that West Virginia continues to lead the way in defending constitutional freedoms."
The impact of the bill has already resonated beyond West Virginia. Montana has introduced a similar bill, following West Virginia's proactive response to safeguarding gun rights.
Additionally, other states have expressed interest in replicating the legislation to bolster their own Second Amendment protections, according to a press release from Delegate Coop-Gonzalez.
In other legislative developments, the House of Delegates engaged in a heated debate last week over Senate Bill 460, which originally included religious and philosophical exemptions for school vaccinations. Delegate Coop-Gonzalez introduced an amendment to reinstate these exemptions, arguing for the protection of parental rights and personal choice.
"Parents should have the freedom to make medical decisions for their children without government interference," said Delegate Coop-Gonzalez. "It is disappointing that my amendment failed due to the opposition of liberal Republicans who chose to side against personal liberty."
Despite the setback, Delegate Coop-Gonzalez remains steadfast in his commitment to defending constitutional freedoms and advocating for West Virginians, the press release stated.