WHEELING — The West Liberty University Student Government Association opposes the campus carry bill presently before the West Virginia Legislature.

SGA President Sydney Burkle said the SGA met Tuesday, and members expressed their concerns with Senate Bill 10, the Campus Self-Defense Act. The bill would eliminate prohibitions on public colleges and university students and visitors from carrying a concealed weapon on campus beginning July 1, 2024, provided they have a current and valid concealed carry permit.

The bill passed easily through the Senate, 29-4. The Senate’s three Democrats and Sen. Mike Maroney, R-Marshall, the Senate Health Committee chairman, all voted against it.

“It was actually brought up at our meeting,” Burkle said. “Everyone is very uncomfortable with its passing.”

There are numerous exceptions included in the bill. Those eligible still could not carry concealed weapons at organized events at stadiums and arenas with more than 1,000 spectators, daycare facilities on campus, areas used by law enforcement, facilities with armed personnel and metal detectors, at formal disciplinary and grievance hearings, sole occupancy offices, at primary or secondary school-sponsored events on a college campus, at private functions, laboratories, and areas where patient care or mental health services are being provided.

The bill also prohibits concealed carry at on-campus residence halls except for common areas, such as lounges, dining areas, and study halls. Colleges and universities must provide secure storage for weapons at residence halls and can charge fees for storage.

Officials at several universities have written letters to the Legislature opposing the bill, and Burkle said WLU’s student government agrees with them. She noted as mental health issues become increasingly important in society, safety on college campuses must be strongly considered.

“Overall, the students caution the Legislature passing the bill,” Burkle said. “We are not in favor.”

She added if the bill were to go into effect, it would be hard to keep track of those on campus with concealed permits, those who didn’t have them and those who had weapons.

“Who is doing the documentation?” she asked. “We don’t have the resources.”

WLU has its own armed police force that is supported by the students, Burkle continued.

“With the police, it’s a much different concept,” she said. “While the students believe in the 2nd Amendment, it is a worrisome item when you open a can of worms and have guns on campus.”

The bill is now heading to the House of Delegates for review.