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CHARLESTON -- West Virginia Delegate Elias Coop-Gonzalez (R-Randolph) announced significant legislative developments following last week's session, including the advancement of his bill to protect gun manufacturers and the defeat of a controversial corporate election bill.
House Bill 2067, sponsored by Delegate Coop-Gonzalez, successfully passed the House Judiciary Committee and now awaits a vote on the House floor.
The bill, known as the West Virginia Firearms Liability Clarification Act, seeks to shield firearm manufacturers from frivolous lawsuits aimed at undermining Second Amendment rights.
Marty Daniel, founder of Daniel Defense and a pioneer in firearms manufacturing, flew in from Georgia to testify in support of the bill.
Daniel Defense is one of the most notable and successful firearms manufacturers in the country, Coop-Gonzalez said,known for producing high-quality rifles used by military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters alike.
"I was honored to have Marty Daniel testify on behalf of HB 2067," said Coop-Gonzalez. "His company represents the best of American manufacturing and stands as a testament to the importance of protecting lawful firearm businesses from politically motivated attacks."
In other legislative news, House Bill 2719, which Coop-Gonzalez said would have expanded corporate involvement in elections, was defeated by a bipartisan coalition in a 54-41 vote.
While some lawmakers supported the bill as a means of increasing economic engagement in the political process, others raised concerns about undue corporate influence in state elections.
"The defeat of HB 2719 demonstrates that West Virginians--regardless of political party--are skeptical of allowing more corporate money to flood our elections," said Coop-Gonzalez. "I respect my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who came together to stop this bill."
As the legislative session continues, Coop-Gonzalez remains committed to defending constitutional freedoms and ensuring fair and transparent governance in West Virginia, according to a press release.