Bipartisan legislation was introduced in this House of Representatives this week that would extend concealed carry privileges for qualified retired and active law enforcement officials.
The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) Reform Act (H.R. 1210) would allow active and retired law enforcement officials to carry firearms on state, local, and private property otherwise open to the public. It would also allow them to carry firearms in national parks, magazines not prohibited by federal law, and federal security level I or II public access facilities. Further, the bill would allow them to carry in Gun Free School Zones.
“Current and retired law enforcement officers have put their lives on the line for our communities and are many times called upon to do so even when they are not wearing their uniform,” Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), one of the bill’s sponsors, said. “Unfortunately, our officers are facing greater and greater dangers, and current restrictions hinder their ability to carry firearms. This legislation allows them the freedom to carry in a capacity that is not only safe and best for them, but also for the community, as long as they maintain proper training and certification.”
It was also sponsored by Reps. Henry Cuellar (D-TX), John Rutherford (R-FL), and Pete Stauber (R-MN).
“Many of our retired law enforcement officers are ready to continue serving our community but are unable to due to current law,” Cuellar said. “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 women who put their lives on the line every day to protect our homes, neighborhoods, businesses, and communities.”
The LEOSA Reform Act has been endorsed by 25 professional law enforcement organizations.
“Retired law enforcement officers who meet stringent training standards should be able to maintain an enhanced concealed carry license across state lines,” Rutherford said. “As a former sheriff and lifelong police officer, I know how important it is to allow retired officers to continue protecting our communities. Thank you to Congressman Bacon for his hard work on this bill and for his commitment to our retired law enforcement officers.”