Under current federal law, it's generally illegal to carry a firearm in a school zone. This bill would create an exception for qualified active-duty and retired law enforcement officers who are already authorized to carry a concealed weapon under existing federal law. They would be allowed to carry concealed in school zones and, if necessary, discharge their firearm to protect children. The bill is framed as a way to add an extra layer of security at schools by leveraging trained professionals who may be parents, volunteers, or nearby.
Congressional Summary
Police Officers Protecting Children Act This bill specifies that certain active and retired law enforcement officers who are authorized to carry concealed firearms are not subject to the federal prohibition on possessing (or discharging) a firearm in a school zone.
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- House
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in House
- Action Date
- 2025-04-30
- Date Added
- 2026-04-06