We used firearm mortality and sales data to assess the impact of HB 4145, a May 2016 law that legalized concealed firearm carry without a permit in West Virginia. Firearm mortality was significantly higher (29%)in the years after the enactment of the law; handgun mortality was also higher (48% increase), whereaslong gun deaths andfirearm sales were unaffected. This may suggest that HB 4145 increased rates offirearm-related mortality in West Virginia without affectingfirearm sales in the state.
Impact of a Permitless Concealed Firearm Carry Law in West Virginia,1999–2015 and 2016–2020
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Impact of a Permitless Concealed Firearm Carry Law in West Virginia,1999–2015 and 2016–2020
Category: Behavior, Concealed Carry, Firearm Policies|Journal: American Journal of Public Health (full text)|Author: E Lundstrom, G Smith, J Pence|Year: 2023