This bill adds "qualified special operators" to the federal statute (18 U.S.C. 926C) that allows certain people to carry concealed firearms. It defines who counts as a qualified special operator by paygrade and by specific military roles in the Army Special Forces, Army Rangers, Navy SEALs, Marine Corps special units, Air Force special operations, and Army Delta with identifier T. Qualified special operators may use Department of Defense or Department of Veterans Affairs photographic ID, or other service documentation, to show their status. The bill says their concealed-carry authority is permanent as long as they keep an honorable discharge (when applicable), remain a qualified special operator, and are legally allowed to possess firearms. They are not subject to the law’s annual re-certification requirement, but the authority ends immediately if they lose those conditions. The bill requires the DoD and VA to issue qualifying photographic ID within 180 days and allows service documents to be used until the cards are issued. The Attorney General must issue guidance to law enforcement within 90 days. The bill also adds conforming language to the statute, includes severability, and bars creating a private right of action.
No publicly available information. The bill directs the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs to create and issue photographic identification and directs the Attorney General to issue guidance, but it does not specify funding amounts or detailed cost estimates.
The bill’s findings state that highly trained special operations personnel who achieved expert-level military marksmanship have shown firearm proficiency and public service, and that their service should be recognized while keeping safeguards in sensitive places.
No publicly available information.