§18-2-48. Air rifles and rimfire rifles permitted for school teams.

(a) Legislative intent. — The popularity of air rifle and rimfire rifle teams are expanding in the state and across the country. Current code is unclear as to the legality of these rifles to be permitted on school grounds. For that reason, definitions are needed, and enactment should be carried out to ensure the support and continuation of such clubs.

(b) Definitions. — The following definitions apply to this section:

(1) "Air rifle" or "compressed air rifle" means a rifle, gun, or other firearm that uses compressed air or gas to propel projectiles, such as pellets, rather than relying on the explosive force of gunpowder like traditional firearms.

(2) "Rimfire rifle" means a firearm that uses rimfire ammunition, which is a type of metallic cartridge with a primer in the rim of the casing, wherein the firing pin strikes the rim, igniting the primer and propelling the bullet down the barrel.

(c) Enactment. — Air rifles and rimfire rifles are permitted on school buses solely during transportation to or from a school-sponsored shooting team event; on the grounds of any primary or secondary educational facility of any type for shooting team purposes; and at a school-sponsored shooting team function that is taking place in a specific area that is owned, rented, or leased by the West Virginia Department of Education, the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission, a county school board, or local public school: Provided, That during the school day or at any time other than school-sponsored team events or practices, the air rifles and rimfire rifles and ammunition shall be locked in a location where students do not have access: Provided further, That air rifles and rimfire rifles and ammunition stored on school buses shall be placed in a locked case and located in a specific location that is determined by state transportation director or the county transportation director.