Senate Panel Approves Cornyn-Backed Law Enforcement Bill

Press Release

Senate Panel Approves Cornyn-Backed Law Enforcement Bill

The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously approved bipartisan legislation on Thursday co-sponsored by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn to protect law enforcement officers and improve community safety, advancing the bill to the full Senate for consideration. Sen. Cornyn joined Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., in introducing the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2007, S. 376. The bill would make it easier for current and retired law enforcement officers to defend themselves, their families and their communities.

"This legislation makes much needed changes to the federal law allowing retired law enforcement to protect the public, their families and themselves by carrying concealed firearms," said Sen. Cornyn, a member of the Judiciary Committee. "This important bill takes steps toward providing additional protections for retired law enforcement officers. It is encouraging to see this bill move forward in the Senate. I urge my colleagues to support it."

Key provisions of the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2007:

* Reduces the number of years - from 15 to 10 - an officer must serve with a law enforcement agency in order to qualify for the right to carry a concealed firearm
* Eliminates a provision in current law that requires an officer to have nonforfeitable rights to benefits under a retirement plan in order to qualify for the right to carry a concealed firearm
* Removes a provision in the definitions section of the current code that requires an officer to meet the state's standards for active law-enforcement officers to carry firearms every 12 months
* Authorizes retired officers to use a third type of identification to satisfy current law's requirements for carrying a concealed firearm if their state refuses to issue the first two types of identification currently allowed

On a related note, Sen. Cornyn recently introduced the Daniel Faulkner Law Enforcement Officers and Judges Protection Act of 2007, S. 1235, to strengthen penalties for criminals who target law enforcement officials and federal judges. The bill also expedites justice for those who murder police officers.

In addition, the Senate recently passed the Court Security Improvement Act of 2007, S. 378, which Sen. Cornyn co-sponsored. The legislation provides additional protections for judges, courthouse personnel, and their families against increased threats of violence.

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