Should “qualified” officers have expanded concealed carry rights under federal law?
This bill proposes updates to the Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA). The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), enacted in 2004 and codified at 18 U.S. Code §§ 926B and 926C, is a federal law that allows qualified current and retired law enforcement officers to carry a concealed firearm across state lines, regardless of most state or local gun laws. This bill expands the ability of qualified current and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms across state lines and into public areas, including some federal buildings and school zones. The bill also modifies training and certification standards, allowing states more flexibility in how often officers need to qualify for firearm use. It clarifies what firearms and magazines are included under LEOSA protections. The Act is supported by major law enforcement organizations, including the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), the Fraternal Order of Police, and the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association. Proponents argue that the Act enhances officer safety and public security. Opponents express concerns that the Act undermines gun safety protections, particularly in school zones and federal facilities. They argue that the Act could lead to confusion and potential conflicts with state and local laws.
Sponsor: Rep. Don Bacon (Republican, Nebraska, District 2)
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Opponents say
• "Despite these objections, LEOSA became law, but importantly, it included exceptions for places like government buildings, gun-free school zones, and private property where States have a special interest in retaining control of their gun safety laws. These exceptions have been in place for 20 years and have served as important protections, but this legislation tosses those exceptions out the window. It forces States to allow off-duty and retired officers to carry firearms on playgrounds, in government buildings, and on buses, trains, subways, and boats. It undermines State laws limiting magazine capacity. It reduces the rights of private property owners who may not want concealed weapons on their property or in their businesses. It relaxes training standards so that some people will be able to carry a concealed firearm, even though it has been 3 years since their last firearms training certification. In addition, this legislation unravels Federal laws that have kept firearms out of Federal facilities. It does this for Federal facilities that are "open to the public" that are classified as "Facility Security Level I or II," definitions that will create significant confusion for those trying to abide by it and for those tasked with enforcing it." Source: Rep. Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, New York, District 12), in the Congressional Record
Proponents say
• "The bipartisan LEOSA Reform Act offers real solutions to address threats such as terrorism and mass shootings by ensuring that our retired and off-duty law enforcement officers can exercise their right to concealed carry – no matter where they live or visit. These measured changes will make existing law stronger and more workable for those who seek its benefits while maintaining the rigorous standards that currently apply. I want to thank Rep. Henry Cuellar for his support of this important legislation." Source: Rep. Don Bacon (Republican, Nebraska, District 2), the sponsor of this bill
• "Many of our retired law enforcement officers are ready to continue serving our community but are unable to due to current law. This bipartisan legislation will fix the issues that our nation’s off-duty officers and retired cops face while concealed carrying. I remain steadfast in my support for the men and woman who put their lives on the line every day to protect our homes, neighborhoods, businesses and communities." Source: Rep. Henry Cuellar (Democrat, Texas, District 28), a co-sponsor of this bill
