Stauber Introduces Legislation to Empower Retired Law Enforcement and Strengthen Public Safety
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) joined Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) and Congressman John Rutherford (FL-04) in front of the U.S. Capitol to announce the introduction of their bill, the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) Reform Act. The LEOSA Reform Act, of which Stauber is an original cosponsor, would update an existing concealed and carry law to ease training burdens and restrictions on carrying for qualified and retired law enforcement officers.
"As a former Duluth police officer, I know that our law enforcement officers believe it is their solemn duty to protect their communities. This commitment does not end on the last day of the job," said Stauber. "As there is no one more qualified to stop those who threaten violence than the men and women in law enforcement, I am proud to cosponsor legislation that will extend retired officers concealed carry privileges."
"The core of the LEOSA Reform Act is about responsibility—a responsibility to provide greater public safety for law enforcement and our communities at home," said Bacon. "Many of us know, an officer's call to protect and serve extends far beyond the sworn duties of their official capacities. Unfortunately, our officers are facing greater and greater dangers, and current restrictions hinder their ability to carry firearms in a capacity that is safest for them and the public. It is the responsibility of Congress to provide greater public safety for law enforcement and our communities, and this bill does just that."
"We fully support the LEOSA Reform Bill brought forward by Congressman Stauber and others to make necessary changes to the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act," said Ryan Morris, President of the Duluth Police Local #807. "The oath that the men and women in Law Enforcement take to serve and protect does not cease at the end of a shift, or the end of a career. This bill will make our society safer by making it easier for current and retired law enforcement officers to do what they do best, protect all citizens at all times, whether on or off-duty."
In 2004, Congress passed the bipartisan Law Enforcement Safety Act to allow qualified and retired law enforcement officers to carry a concealed firearm.
The LEOSA Reform Act would make necessary improvements to the existing law, expanding where current and retired law enforcement can carry a concealed firearm and reforming the qualification standards for retired law enforcement officers to ease superfluous burdens for those carrying in accordance with LEOSA.
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