U.S. Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE) and Henry Cuellar (D-TX) said their legislation extending concealed carry privileges to law enforcement officers would improve public safety and offer real solutions to terrorism and mass shootings.
The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Reform Act (LEOSA) would extend concealed carry privileges to law enforcement officers, as well as remove existing prohibitions and allow trained professionals to respond to emergencies if they happen in public places like shopping malls, school zones, and mass transit, for example. The legislation was previously introduced during the 118th Congress and was passed by the House of Representatives by a vote of 221-185.
“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,” Bacon said. “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.”
The bill is endorsed by a number of national, state and local organizations, including the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), the Air Marshal Association, the FBI Agents Association (FBIAA), International Union of Police Associations, Major Cities Chiefs Association, National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, Major County Sheriffs of America, National Narcotics Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI, and Sergeants Benevolent Association NYPD.
“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 woman who put their lives on the line every day to protect our homes, neighborhoods, businesses and communities.”