H.R. 3129: Police Officers Protecting Children Act

This bill, titled the Police Officers Protecting Children Act, proposes amendments to existing federal laws regarding who is allowed to carry concealed firearms in school zones. Specifically, it aims to allow certain qualified law enforcement officers and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms in these areas, enhancing security measures for children in schools.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• Definition of Qualified Individuals: The bill defines the groups eligible to carry concealed firearms as:
  • Qualified law enforcement officers
  • Retired law enforcement officers
• Authorization to Carry Concealed Firearms: Both qualified law enforcement officers and retired officers must be authorized under a specified legal framework (noted as sections 926B and 926C) to carry a concealed firearm, and the firearm must be concealed when carried in a school zone.
• Discharge of Firearms: The bill allows these qualified individuals to not only carry concealed firearms but also to discharge them under certain conditions, aiming to empower them to respond to threats proactively.

Legal Amendments

The bill proposes to amend the existing legal provisions in Title 18 of the United States Code, specifically Section 922(q), to streamline directives about the carrying and discharging of firearms in designated areas around schools.

Intent and Purpose

The primary aim of the legislation is to enhance the safety of children in school environments by allowing trained law enforcement personnel to more readily respond to potential threats. By enabling these officers to carry concealed firearms, the bill seeks to establish a stronger security presence in school zones.

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