Sponsors (12)
Want my take on what this bill would do?
This is not an official government website.
Copyright © 2026 PLEJ LC. All rights reserved.
Allows qualified current and retired law enforcement officers who meet updated federal standards to carry or possess concealed firearms in places that federal law previously banned (including school zones) by explicitly exempting those authorized under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act. It also revises how officers qualify and who may certify their qualifications, and permits qualified officers limited firearms access in certain federal public-access facilities while adding related definitions. The bill makes only statutory text changes and does not provide funding or set new penalties or effective dates.
Amend 18 U.S.C. §922(q), paragraph (2)(B), clause (vi) by striking the word "or" at the end of that clause (to allow insertion of a new clause after it).
Amend 18 U.S.C. §922(q), paragraph (2)(B), clause (vii) by replacing the period at the end with a semicolon (to continue the list) and thereby permit adding another clause.
Amend 18 U.S.C. §922(q), paragraph (2)(B), by adding a new clause (viii) providing an exception "by an individual authorized by section 926B or 926C to carry a concealed firearm."
Amend 18 U.S.C. §922(q), paragraph (3)(B), clause (iii) by striking the word "or" at the end of that clause (to allow insertion of a new clause after it).
Amend 18 U.S.C. §922(q), paragraph (3)(B), clause (iv) by replacing the period at the end with a semicolon (to continue the list) and thereby permit adding another clause.
Who is affected and how:
Qualified current and retired law enforcement officers: The bill directly affects these individuals by explicitly recognizing them as exempt from the federal Gun-Free School Zones prohibition (when they are authorized under LEOSA) and by allowing them limited possession or carrying rights in certain federal public-access facilities. The bill also changes how and when they must show firearms qualification and who can certify that qualification.
Law enforcement agencies and certifying entities: State agencies, former agencies, in-State agencies, and certified firearms instructors named in the revisions may be called on to certify officers' qualification status. Agencies will need to interpret the new statutory language and may have to document or otherwise support officers' LEOSA qualifications.
Schools and school communities: School zones federally designated under the Gun-Free School Zones statute will be affected because the bill explicitly exempts authorized officers; local school districts may need to review policies and coordinate with law enforcement to understand how the change applies on school grounds.
Federal facility managers and the public: Managers of public-access federal facilities must account for the revised permission for qualified officers to possess firearms in Facility Security Level I or II locations. This could affect security procedures, signage, and access rules. Members of the public who use those facilities may experience changes to security practices or perceive altered risk.
State and local governments: The bill changes federal statutory exceptions and certification pathways but does not override state-level restrictions on carrying firearms; officers and agencies must still comply with state and local law. Potential conflicts between state prohibitions and the federal exemption may require clarification or legal resolution.
Other considerations:
Amends section 930 by adding an exception in subsection (d) permitting qualified law enforcement officers and qualified retired law enforcement officers to possess a firearm or ammunition in Facility Security Level I or II civilian public access facilities; and by adding definitions in subsection (g) for 'civilian public access facility', 'Facility Security Level', 'qualified law enforcement officer' (referencing section 926B), and 'qualified retired law enforcement officer' (referencing section 926C).
Amends section 926B of title 18 by inserting additional text at specified locations: in subsection (a) (insert after a semicolon), in subsection (b) paragraph (1) (insert before the semicolon), in subsection (b) paragraph (2) (insert before the period), and in subsection (e)(2) (insert after a period). The exact inserted language is not reproduced in this section.
Amends section 926C of title 18. Replaces subsection (c)(4) with new text specifying that, during the most recent 12-month period (or up to 36 months at the State's option), the individual must have met one of four enumerated standards for active duty firearms qualification: (A) standards established by the former agency of the individual; (B) standards established by the State in which the individual resides; (C) standards established by any law enforcement agency in that State; or (D) any standard for active duty firearms qualification conducted by any certified firearms instructor within that State. Also amends subsection (d)(1) by substituting the prior timing-based testing language with a requirement to have met the standards required by subsection (c)(4), and replaces subsection (d)(2)(B) to recognize certifications issued by the former agency, the State, any law enforcement agency in the State, or any certified firearms instructor in the State. Additionally, inserts text at specified locations in subsections (a) and (b).
Adds a new clause (viii) to paragraph (2)(B) that states: 'by an individual authorized by section 926B or 926C to carry a concealed firearm.'
Adds a new clause (v) to paragraph (3)(B) that states: 'by an individual authorized by section 926B or 926C to carry a concealed firearm.'
Expand sections to see detailed analysis
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced February 20, 2025 by John Neely Kennedy · Last progress February 20, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in Senate