LEOSA Reform Act

Summary#

This bill changes parts of title 18 to change who may carry concealed firearms and where. It updates the Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA) and the Gun-Free School Zones Act.

Main changes in the bill text:

  • Adds that individuals authorized under sections 926B or 926C (LEOSA) are included in an exception to the Gun-Free School Zones Act.
  • States that LEOSA authorization covers other Federal law and regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Interior that apply to National Park System units.
  • Adds exceptions about property: it inserts a phrase about laws that apply on property used by common or contract carriers (land, rail, or water) and on property open to the public.
  • Clarifies language so that the text explicitly includes "any magazine" in certain definitions.
  • Changes firearms qualification rules for retired officers: qualification may be within the most recent 12 months or, at the State's option, a longer period not to exceed 36 months. It lists acceptable standards for qualification (former agency, State, any State law enforcement agency, or a certified firearms instructor in the State).
  • Expands acceptable forms of certification to include documents issued by a former agency, the State, any law enforcement agency in the State, or a certified firearms instructor.
  • Allows qualified current and retired law enforcement officers to possess firearms or ammunition in Facility Security Level I or II civilian public access federal facilities, and adds definitions for "Facility Security Level" and "civilian public access facility."

What it means for you#

  • If you are a qualified current or retired law enforcement officer as defined in sections 926B or 926C, the bill would let you carry a concealed firearm in more places covered by LEOSA, including some federal public-access facilities and under Interior Department rules for National Park System units. It also makes clear that LEOSA-authorized individuals are covered by an exception to the Gun-Free School Zones Act.
  • The bill lets States choose a longer window (up to 36 months) for firearms qualification and allows certified firearms instructors and multiple agencies to issue qualifying certifications.
  • If you are not a current or retired law enforcement officer covered by LEOSA, the bill does not change your legal status under the text provided.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

The text of the bill shows sponsors intend to "improve" LEOSA by clarifying where LEOSA applies, broadening acceptable firearms-qualification sources and time windows, explicitly including magazines in certain definitions, and allowing qualified officers to carry in specified lower-risk federal public-access facilities and under National Park System regulations.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.