Bill · H.R. 8608· House(119-HR-8608)
Federal Law Enforcement and Public Protection Act
- Introduced
- 4/30/2026
- Last activity
- 4/30/2026 — Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Mark DeSaulnier
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Federal Law Enforcement and Public Protection Act," aims to amend title 18 of the United States Code. It focuses on improving the safety and security of service weapons used by Federal law enforcement officers. The legislation requires agency heads to establish requirements for the safe locking and storage of firearms when they are not in use. It also mandates the provision of necessary equipment to those following these requirements, subject to available appropriations. Additionally, the bill establishes reporting procedures for the loss or theft of service firearms and mandates training and educational materials regarding firearm risks.
Yes
Does this change how police departments operate?+4
The bill implements new safety standards and reporting requirements for the storage of service weapons used by federal law enforcement.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+3
The bill mandates reporting the loss or theft of service firearms to state, local, ATF, and FBI authorities.
The opposite
Would gun owners be better off under this?-2
The bill imposes strict storage requirements and disciplinary actions for the mishandling of service firearms.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Provision of Safety Equipment: The agency shall provide appropriate equipment needed to comply with storage requirements, subject to the availability of appropriations (Section 2(a)). This could benefit officers by ensuring they have the tools necessary to secure their weapons.
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Clear Storage Standards: The bill establishes minimum standards for safe storage, including the use of smart guns, smart locks, trigger locks, safes, or gunlock boxes (Section 2(b)(1)). This creates a formal protocol for protecting service firearms.
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Information Sharing on Theft: Agency heads must report any loss or theft of a service firearm to State and local law enforcement, as well as the ATF and FBI (Section 2(c)). This is intended to facilitate the central availability of information regarding how often these thefts occur.
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Training and Education: The bill requires agencies to ensure people assisting in law enforcement functions are trained in safe storage (Section 2(d)) and provides written materials about the statistical risks of keeping a firearm at home (Section 2(e)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Disciplinary Risks for Officers: Any violation of the new storage requirements constitutes grounds for discipline, and agencies are directed to consider imposing minimum punishment standards (Section 2(b)(3)). This places a new layer of potential disciplinary action on federal officers.
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Restrictions on Vehicle Storage: Service firearms are prohibited from being stored in patrol or personally owned vehicles, except for specific temporary circumstances or with agency authorization (Section 2(b)(2)). This limits how officers can keep their weapons while on duty or traveling.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Policing Reform+4
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Gun Owners-2
- 4/30/2026
- Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Introduced in House