What does Preamble of Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act do?

This bill is formally titled 'To provide concealed carry privileges to qualified special operators.'

What does SHORT TITLE. of Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act.

What does FINDINGS. of Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act do?

This section establishes findings related to special operations personnel. It recognizes the proficiency with firearms and commitment to public service demonstrated by highly trained special operations personnel who achieved Expert level military marksmanship qualifications. The findings state that their service should be recognized while maintaining existing safeguards on firearm possession in sensitive places.

What does QUALIFIED SPECIAL OPERATOR AUTHORITY. of Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act do?

This section amends Section 926C of Title 18, United States Code, to include 'qualified special operators' alongside 'qualified retired law enforcement officers'. It establishes special rules for qualified special operators, including waiving the annual firearms qualification requirement. The authority granted to qualified special operators is permanent, contingent on maintaining honorable discharge status, qualification status, and eligibility to possess a firearm. Qualified special operators must carry proof of identity and qualification, such as a Department of Defense or Department of Veterans Affairs identification. The term 'qualified special operator' is defined as a current or former military service member with a specific paygrade and service record confirming service in designated special operations roles within the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. The section heading of Section 926C is updated to include 'and qualified special operators'. The table of sections for chapter 44 of Title 18, United States Code, is amended to reflect the inclusion of qualified special operators.

What does IMPLEMENTATION AND AUTHORITY. of Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act do?

This section establishes a program for issuing photographic identification to qualified special operators, as described in section 926C of title 18, United States Code. The Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs are jointly responsible for implementing this program within 180 days of the Act's enactment. The application process requires verification of honorable discharge and special operator status using records from both Departments. Prior to the program's full implementation, valid service documentation will be recognized as sufficient proof under section 926C. The Attorney General must provide guidance to law enforcement agencies nationwide regarding acceptance of official documentation as proof of authority to carry until the photographic identification is available. The Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs are authorized to issue regulations and guidance related to the program's implementation, including application procedures and communication with law enforcement.

What does EFFECTIVE DATE. of Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act do?

This section establishes an effective date for certain authorities. A qualified special operator may carry a firearm under section 926C of title 18. The authority to carry a firearm is contingent on possessing valid service documentation as described in section 4(b)(1).

What does SEVERABILITY. of Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act do?

This section establishes a severability clause. If any part of the Act is found to be invalid or unconstitutional, the rest of the Act remains in effect. The invalidation of a provision does not affect its application to other persons or circumstances.

What does NO PRIVATE RIGHT OF ACTION. of Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act do?

This section establishes that this Act does not create a private right of action. The Act prohibits any legal claim against government agencies, officers, or private entities for failure to implement or comply with its terms. Remedies for noncompliance or violation of section 926C of title 18, United States Code, are limited to existing remedies under that section or other applicable law.

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Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act

Last updated: 4/16/2026 · Introduced: 4/16/2026

Author: Pat Harrigan (R-NC)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill expands concealed carry privileges under federal law to include qualified special operators, mirroring existing provisions for retired law enforcement officers.
It establishes a program, jointly managed by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, to issue photographic identification to qualified special operators verifying their status and authority to carry.
The bill allows qualified special operators to carry firearms using valid service documentation until the photographic identification program is fully implemented, while also providing guidance to law enforcement agencies on recognizing this documentation.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 6 more.

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