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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) has reintroduced the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) Reform Act, aiming to expand the concealed carry rights of qualified law enforcement officers, including retired and off-duty personnel. The bill seeks to address restrictions that currently limit where officers can carry firearms, despite federal law permitting them to do so.
Expanding Protections for Officers and the Public
Originally enacted in 2004, the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) grants active-duty and retired law enforcement officers the ability to carry concealed firearms across state lines, regardless of local laws. However, various exemptions and restrictions have since limited its effectiveness. Sen. Kennedy’s reform bill aims to correct these issues by ensuring qualified officers can legally carry concealed weapons in additional locations, including:
- State, local, and private properties that are otherwise open to the public
- National parks
- Certain federal public access facilities
- School zones
“Our brave law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to keep Americans safe—even when they’re retired or off-duty,” Kennedy stated. “The LEOSA Reform Act would help empower officers to keep our communities safe by expanding their rights to carry concealed firearms in public places.”
Broad Support from Law Enforcement Organizations
The bill has garnered support from multiple law enforcement groups, including the National Association of Police Organizations, National Fraternal Order of Police, National Sheriffs’ Association, and the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association. These organizations argue that removing restrictions will enhance public safety by allowing trained officers to respond to emergencies, even when they are off duty.
“This legislation is a critical step in ensuring that law enforcement officers who have served their country honorably are able to protect themselves and their families after they retire,” said Mathew Silverman, National President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association.
With increasing incidents of violence against law enforcement and concerns about public safety, supporters argue that empowering officers—both active and retired—can help prevent and respond to crimes more effectively.
Potential Impact and Legislative Outlook
The proposed changes to LEOSA would ensure that officers can carry firearms on certain federal properties and public spaces, including civilian public access federal facilities rated at Facility Security Level I or II. These adjustments would align with the original intent of LEOSA, allowing officers to carry without being hindered by inconsistent local or state laws.
The bill has been co-sponsored by Sens. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.). It has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for further review.
A Step Toward Greater Public Safety
Law enforcement groups argue that criminals do not respect gun-free zones, and that allowing trained officers to carry concealed weapons in more locations strengthens public safety. “Criminals, by definition, have no respect for the law,” said Lawrence G. Keane, Senior Vice President of the National Shooting Sports Foundation. “This commonsense legislation removes barriers for those who enforce the law.”
If passed, the LEOSA Reform Act could provide more security in public spaces by allowing experienced law enforcement personnel—active and retired—to carry in locations where they may be needed most.
