Concealed carry privileges expanded for active, retired law enforcement under Bacon bill

Bipartisan legislation sponsored on Tuesday by U.S. Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) would extend concealed carry privileges for America’s qualified active and retired law enforcement officers.

“Unfortunately, our officers are facing greater and greater dangers, and current restrictions hinder their ability to carry firearms,” Rep. Bacon said. “This legislation allows them the freedom to carry in a capacity that is not only safe and best for them, but also for the community, as long as they maintain proper training and certification.” 

The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) Reform Act, H.R. 1210, which Rep. Bacon introduced with cosponsors including U.S. Reps. Pete Stauber (R-MN) and Henry Cuellar (D-TX), would amend the United States Code to expand the LEOSA exemption to allow qualified active and retired law enforcement officers to carry firearms on state, local and private property open to the public, in national parks, in federal security level I or II public access facilities, as well as in Gun Free School Zones, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Bacon’s office.  

Additionally, H.R. 1210 would allow such officers to carry concealed magazines not prohibited by federal law and would seek to reform qualification standards, the summary says. 

“As a former law enforcement officer, I know that our officers swear an oath to protect and serve their communities. That commitment does not stop at the end of a shift, or at the end of a career,” said Rep. Stauber. “There is no one more qualified to safeguard our communities than the men and women in law enforcement, so I am proud to cosponsor legislation that will protect and extend current and retired officers’ concealed carry privileges.”

H.R. 1210 has garnered support from 25 professional law enforcement organizations.