Sheehy Introduces Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act

U.S. SENATE - Senator Tim Sheehy today introduced the Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act, extending nationwide carry privileges to elite special operations veterans similar to the privileges given to trained and vetted law enforcement officers under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004. U.S. Representative Pat Harrigan (R-N.C.) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives in April 2026.

"Our Special Operations Forces spend their careers protecting the American people with unmatched discipline, judgment, and professionalism. This bill honors that reality by giving qualified special operators the same nationwide concealed carry privileges already afforded to retired law enforcement officers. Our elite warfighters never stop serving, and this bill ensures the law reflects the trust they've earned through a lifetime of sacrifice," said Senator Sheehy.

The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) of 2004 established a clear national standard allowing trained and vetted law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms across state lines, eliminating the risks posed by a patchwork of conflicting state laws. Congress recognized that both active and retired officers may need to respond to violent crime or terrorism while off duty, and that they face ongoing threats from individuals they have previously encountered in the line of duty.

The Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act builds directly on this proven framework by extending similar nationwide carry privileges to a narrowly defined group of elite special operations veterans. These individuals have completed rigorous selection and possess firearms training that meets or exceeds professional law enforcement standards. This legislation honors their service while preserving all existing federal firearm restrictions.

Background:
The Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act strengthens public safety, reinforces policy consistency, and recognizes the continued readiness of highly trained veterans.

This legislation would accomplish the following:

• Extends 18 U.S.C. 926C so concealed carry privileges apply to "qualified special operators" in addition to qualified retired law enforcement officers.
• Requires yearly, state-standard, active-duty-level firearms qualification at the individual's expense, plus completion of a DOJ-certified "Concealed Carry Use of Force in Society" course before carrying.
• Makes carry authority contingent on honorable discharge (if applicable), continued status as a qualified special operator, sobriety, continued federal firearm eligibility, and current training; authority ends immediately if any condition fails and does not override any federal firearm restriction.
• Requires DoD and VA to create a joint photo ID program within 180 days and accept service documents in the interim, and directs the Attorney General to ensure law enforcement accepts those documents within 90 days.
• Clarifies that this act creates no new private right of action.

View the full text of the bill HERE.