Bill seeks to restrict access to concealed weapons permit holders

The public may no longer be able to see the more than 2,800 names registered for concealed weapons licenses in Cabell County, W.Va., if a bill restricting this access makes it way through the state legislature.

HB 4026 would limit viewing of these names to the permit holder, his or her attorney, guardians and law enforcement agencies. It was placed on the House’s Special Calendar on Friday and is awaiting a third reading this week.

Proponents of the bill say continuing to disclose permit holders’ information, such as their phone numbers and address, could compromise their privacy unnecessarily. Open government advocates, however, say this information is often already available, and bills like this jeopardize the public’s right to watch the government in action.