Omaha City Wire

Recently, a bipartisan effort led by Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE-02) and Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) has resulted in the introduction of the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Reform Act (LEOSA), labeled H.R.2243. This legislation aims to enhance public safety by extending concealed carry privileges for qualified law enforcement officers, allowing them to swiftly respond to emergencies in public areas such as shopping centers and transit zones.

The LEOSA Reform Act, during the 118th Congress, had already passed through the House of Representatives with a vote of 221-185. Rep. Bacon emphasized, "The bipartisan LEOSA Reform Act offers real solutions to address threats such as terrorism and mass shootings by ensuring that our retired and off-duty law enforcement officers can exercise their right to concealed carry – no matter where they live or visit." He further thanked Rep. Cuellar for his essential support.

Rep. Cuellar noted the potential for retired law enforcement officers to continue serving communities, though current laws often restrict them. He stated, "This bipartisan legislation will fix the issues that our nation’s off-duty officers and retired cops face while concealed carrying." He affirmed his support for law enforcement personnel who risk their safety to protect communities.

The bill has received local support from Nebraska's law enforcement leaders, such as Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson, Sarpy County Sheriff Greg London, Saunders County Sheriff Chris Lichtenberg, Omaha Police Association President Patrick Dempsey, and Nebraska State FOP President Anthony Connor.

Endorsements for the bill extend to national organizations including the Fraternal Order of Police, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, The Air Marshal Association, FBI Agents Association, International Union of Police Associations, Major Cities Chiefs Association, National Association of Police Organizations, Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, Major County Sheriffs of America, National Narcotics Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI, and Sergeants Benevolent Association NYPD.