U.S. House of Representatives Passes “Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act Improvements Act” Measure Now Goes to the President for Signature

Washington, D.C.  -- The U.S. House of Representatives voted today to pass S. 1132 -- the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act Improvements Act. This important legislation addresses problems that have occurred in the implementation of the original Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) of 2004.

“The security challenges we face as a country are immense,” said Chris W. Cox, NRA’s chief lobbyist. “Our law enforcement has to deal with threats from terrorists, criminals and other unsavory elements on a daily basis. These challenges are further complicated by financial cutbacks resulting in furloughed criminals and laid-off law enforcement officers. Amending the law to make it easier for retired law enforcement officers to carry a firearm is a common-sense measure that benefits everyone.”

Among other things, S. 1132 would:

• Ensure availability of required training, by allowing a retired officer to meet the standard of any agency in his state or of his own former agency. (Currently, officers have to meet state standards, which not all states prescribe.) Addresses departmental liability concerns by allowing training to be conducted by state-qualified private firearm instructors.
• Make clear that LEOSA carry rights extend to retired officers who served with one department, but retired from another.
• Reduce the required time in service to qualify for LEOSA carry rights from 15 years to 10.
• Strike language that conditioned retirees’ carry rights on eligibility for retirement benefits.
• Make clear that the law also applies to all federal officers and officers of the Amtrak Police Department.

“I would like to thank Senators Pat Leahy and Jeff Sessions for their leadership in helping secure passage of this measure.  We look forward to seeing this important pro-law enforcement bill become law,“ concluded Cox.

The House companion bill is H.R. 3752, sponsored by Congressmen Randy Forbes (R-VA) and Rick Boucher (D-VA).

-NRA-

 Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military.