Current and former police officers may soon be able to carry firearms into more areas across the country.
On Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed reform of the Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA) by a vote of 229 to 193. 14 Democrats crossed over to join 215 Republicans in passing HR 2243. It expands where officers who’ve kept up with training requirements can carry firearms to include private property open to the public, school zones, federal parks, and certain federal facilities open to the general public–such as the post office or Veterans Affairs facilities.
“I’m pleased today the House passed my bipartisan LEOSA Reform Act, which 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,” Rep. Don Bacon (R., Texas), a co-sponser of the bill, said in a statement. “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.”
“Many of our retired law enforcement officers are ready to continue serving our community but are unable to due to current law,” Rep. Henry Cuellar (D., Texas), another co-sponsor, said. “This bipartisan legislation will fix the issues that our nation’s off-duty officers and retired cops face while concealed carrying.”
HR 2243 represents one of the few gun-related bills that has a chance of making it through the Senate and into law. It shows how potent law-enforcement interests remain on Capitol Hill, with Congress willing to carve out numerous special exceptions to federal, state, and local gun laws for current and former cops.
Still, the Senate version introduced by Republican Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana has only gained a handful of co-sponsors to date. All of them are Republicans. An identical bill from the last Congress never gained Democratic co-sponsors and didn’t make it out of the Judiciary Committee.
But the sizeable support House Democrats gave to the bill, even if the majority of the party still voted against it, suggests it could garner a similar level of support in the Senate if it makes it up for a vote this time around.
Police groups celebrated the bill, claiming it is necessary to protect law enforcement from targeted attacks. They also argued more police carrying firearms in public, whether on duty or not, would improve public safety.
“This vital legislation allows qualified retired and active law enforcement officers to carry firearms across state lines and in public spaces such as national parks, school zones, and other public properties,” Major County Sheriffs of America executive director Megan Noland said in a statement. “For law enforcement officers, the ability to carry a firearm across state lines and in public spaces ensures their continued ability to protect and respond effectively, enhancing safety for both officers and our communities.”
“While the purpose of LEOSA has always been clear, several actions at the federal, state, and local level have prevented its proper implementation and altered or watered-down key provisions of the Act,” Vincent Vallelong, President of the NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association, said.
However, not everyone was happy with the bill. Some gun-rights activists see it as an affront to civilian gun carriers, who remain bound by the restrictions officers will be allowed to sidestep under the bill.
“The House just voted 229-193 to grant police special nationwide concealed carry freedoms that are still being denied to law-abiding Americans,” Gun Owners of America posted on social media.
The Senate version of the bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee back in February. It is still waiting for markup there.
