LEOSA Reform Act of 2024

6/18/2024, 8:20 PM

LEOSA Reform Act of 2024

This bill broadens the authority for certain law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms across state lines.

Specifically, the bill allows qualified active and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms and ammunition (including magazines) in school zones; in national parks; on state, local, or private property that is open to the public; and in certain federal facilities that are open to the public.

Further, the bill permits states to reduce the frequency with which retired law enforcement officers must meet certain qualification standards.

The LEOSA Reform Act of 2024, also known as Bill 118 hr 354, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The bill aims to reform the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) of 2004, which allows qualified current and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms across state lines.

The LEOSA Reform Act of 2024 seeks to expand the rights of law enforcement officers by allowing them to carry concealed firearms in all 50 states, regardless of any state or local laws that may restrict such activity. The bill also includes provisions to streamline the process for obtaining LEOSA credentials and to provide additional training and resources for officers who wish to carry concealed firearms.

Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to ensure the safety of law enforcement officers who may need to carry firearms while off duty or traveling across state lines. They also believe that the current restrictions on LEOSA rights are overly burdensome and prevent officers from effectively protecting themselves and others. Opponents of the bill, however, raise concerns about the potential for increased gun violence and the lack of oversight and accountability for law enforcement officers who carry concealed firearms. They argue that the bill could lead to a proliferation of firearms in public spaces and increase the risk of accidental shootings or misuse of weapons. Overall, the LEOSA Reform Act of 2024 is a controversial piece of legislation that has sparked debate among lawmakers and the public. Its fate in Congress remains uncertain as legislators continue to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of expanding the rights of law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms.
Congress
118

Number
HR - 354

Introduced on
2023-01-13

# Amendments
1

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

5/20/2024

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
Passed in House
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

LEOSA Reform Act of 2024

This bill broadens the authority for certain law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms across state lines.

Specifically, the bill allows qualified active and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms and ammunition (including magazines) in school zones; in national parks; on state, local, or private property that is open to the public; and in certain federal facilities that are open to the public.

Further, the bill permits states to reduce the frequency with which retired law enforcement officers must meet certain qualification standards.

The LEOSA Reform Act of 2024, also known as Bill 118 hr 354, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The bill aims to reform the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) of 2004, which allows qualified current and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms across state lines.

The LEOSA Reform Act of 2024 seeks to expand the rights of law enforcement officers by allowing them to carry concealed firearms in all 50 states, regardless of any state or local laws that may restrict such activity. The bill also includes provisions to streamline the process for obtaining LEOSA credentials and to provide additional training and resources for officers who wish to carry concealed firearms.

Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to ensure the safety of law enforcement officers who may need to carry firearms while off duty or traveling across state lines. They also believe that the current restrictions on LEOSA rights are overly burdensome and prevent officers from effectively protecting themselves and others. Opponents of the bill, however, raise concerns about the potential for increased gun violence and the lack of oversight and accountability for law enforcement officers who carry concealed firearms. They argue that the bill could lead to a proliferation of firearms in public spaces and increase the risk of accidental shootings or misuse of weapons. Overall, the LEOSA Reform Act of 2024 is a controversial piece of legislation that has sparked debate among lawmakers and the public. Its fate in Congress remains uncertain as legislators continue to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of expanding the rights of law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo amend title 18, United States Code, to improve the Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act and provisions relating to the carrying of concealed weapons by law enforcement officers, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Crime and Law Enforcement

Potential Impact
Educational facilities and institutions•
Firearms and explosives•
Government buildings, facilities, and property•
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management•
Law enforcement officers•
Licensing and registrations•
Personnel records•
State and local government operations

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary5/31/2024

LEOSA Reform Act of 2024

This bill broadens the authority for certain law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms across state lines.

Specifically, the bill allows qualified active and retired law enforcement ...


Latest Action5/20/2024
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.