Senate Committee Advances Bill Allowing Qualified Residents to Obtain Machine Guns Through State Police

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A bill that would allow qualified West Virginians to legally obtain machine guns through a new state‑run office has cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee and now heads to the full Senate.
Senate Bill 1071 would create the Public Defense and Provisions Act and establish a new Office of Public Defense within the West Virginia State Police. Under the proposal, the office would be authorized to acquire and transfer machine guns—similar to those used by law enforcement or the military—to residents who pass federal and state background checks.
The bill outlines a detailed framework for how the office would operate, including record‑keeping requirements, transfer fees, and procedures for acquiring and distributing the firearms. It also includes liability protections for the state and its employees, stating that the government would not be responsible for the actions of individuals who legally obtain the weapons.
Supporters say the bill expands lawful access for residents who meet strict qualifications, while critics have raised questions about oversight and the role of the State Police in facilitating machine‑gun transfers.
The committee advanced the bill with a recommendation for passage, setting up a full Senate debate in the coming days.