House Passes LEOSA Reform Act of 2024, Could Officer Exposure Expand With It?
In May 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 354, the LEOSA Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the areas in which current and retired law enforcement officers are allowed to carry a concealed weapon. If enacted, the bill would broaden authority for officers but could also broaden their exposure, especially in states that have strict CCW (concealed carry or carrying a concealed weapon) laws. Eligible law enforcement personnel can protect themselves with LEOSA coverage options from FEDS Protection.
The LEOSA Reform Act of 2024 would expand the authority for some current off-duty and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms in locations that CCW is currently generally unlawful, including school zones, national parks, certain federal facilities, and private property and property owned by state and local governments that is open to the public or used for transportation purposes. The bill would also allow states to reduce the frequency for which retired law enforcement officers must be certified to carry a concealed firearm.
Expanding Exposure
As an active or retired federal law enforcement officer, the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) of 2004 and the LEOSA Improvement Act of 2010 allow you to protect yourself, your family, and others from criminal acts within certain guidelines. H.R. 354 would expand areas in which LEOSA authorizes concealed carry, but it may also expand the exposure faced by active and retired federal law enforcement officers who carry concealed weapons. This legislation may cause confusion with local law enforcement officers in states with conflicting CCW laws. This confusion could result in arrest and criminal charges, despite following federal guidelines.
Continuous Coverage
FEDS offers LEOSA insurance for active and retired federal law enforcement officers. For eligible retired federal law enforcement officers, annual premiums start at $300. FEDS offers $100,000 or $250,000 of civil liability coverage for bodily injury or property damage caused by a lawful act under LEOSA. Both options provide $50,000 for criminal defense costs resulting from an alleged criminal action involving a self-defense (or spouse/legal dependent defense) incident, as well as $25,000 for criminal defense against state charges of unlawful carriage of a firearm or federally legal ammunition when lawfully carrying under LEOSA.
Active federal law enforcement officers with a Federal Employee Professional Liability Insurance (PLI) policy from FEDS Protection may be eligible for the optional LEOSA endorsement. Starting at an additional $100 annually, FEDS offers $250,000 of $500,000 of civil liability coverage for bodily injury or property damage caused by a lawful act under LEOSA. Both options provide $50,000 for criminal defense costs resulting from an alleged criminal action involving a self-defense (or spouse/legal dependent defense) incident, as well as $25,000 for criminal defense against state charges of unlawful carriage of a firearm or federally legal ammunition when lawfully carrying under LEOSA. This option is not offered on its own – you must have a Federal Employee PLI policy with FEDS to apply.
To learn more about how a FEDS PLI policy can protect you, visit www.fedsprotection.com or call (866) 955-FEDS, M-F 8:30am-6pm to speak directly to a representative. Eligibility for the FEDS Retired LEOSA policy and the FEDS LEOSA Endorsement is based on your agency credentials. Active federal law enforcement officers are eligible for up to 50% agency reimbursement for your PLI premium.
*This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
