CHARLESTON — Del. Scot Heckert (R-Wood, 13), was one of only two Republicans to join Democrats in voting against House Bill 3342, known as the Firearm Industry Nondiscrimination Act, during the 2025 regular session of the Legislature.
The bill, which passed with broad Republican support, prohibits state agencies and local governments from contracting with financial institutions that discriminate against the firearm industry. It aims to protect gun manufacturers, distributors, and retailers from being denied financial services based solely on their involvement in lawful commerce related to firearms, ammunition, or firearm accessories.
Under the legislation, any bank or financial institution that “debanks” or refuses service to firearm-related businesses because of their industry could lose the ability to hold contracts or financial relationships with the State of West Virginia. The act allows affected businesses to seek damages and authorizes the state Attorney General to take civil action against violators.
Supporters of the measure say it’s a necessary response to what they describe as a growing trend among major national banks to impose their own forms of gun control through financial restrictions. In recent years, some large financial institutions have restricted or prohibited transactions for certain firearms or accessories, effectively forcing some gun shops and manufacturers out of their banking relationships — a practice often referred to as “debanking.”
Heckert was joined in opposition by former Del. Thomas Clark (R-Webster, 48), who has since been replaced by Del. Gregory Watt. Neither Heckert nor Clark publicly commented on their votes.
House Bill 3342 passed 81-10 in the House of Delegates, 34-0 in the State Senate, and was later signed into law by Gov. Patrick Morrisey, positioning West Virginia alongside other states that have adopted similar firearm industry protection measures.
