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S 5208

Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act

119th Congress Introduced by Tim Sheehy

Expands federal concealed carry eligibility to qualified special operators, with training, ID proof, and DoD/VA-issued credentials, under existing enforcement.

Introduced in Senate
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 5208

Summary of Bill: Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act (S. 5208, 119th Congress)

Purpose and intent

  • The bill aims to provide concealed carry privileges under federal law to qualified special operators, i.e., certain former members of the U.S. Armed Forces who completed special operations training and earned appropriate special warfare/operations designations.
  • It proposes to add “qualified special operators” to the class of individuals eligible to carry a concealed firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 926C, alongside qualified retired law enforcement officers.

Key provisions and changes

  • Expansion of concealed carry eligibility (Section 3):
    • Amends 18 U.S.C. § 926C(a) to include “qualified special operator” alongside “qualified retired law enforcement officer.” -Adds subsection (g) detailing special rules for qualified special operators:
    • Training and certification: Operators must meet active-duty firearms qualification standards (as determined by the state of residence) not less than one year before carrying.
    • Use-of-force training: Must complete a Concealed Carry Use of Force in Society course certified by the Attorney General covering civilian legal duties, reasonable belief standards, and de-escalation relevant to domestic concealed carry.
    • Continuing eligibility: Requires maintaining honorable discharge status, current qualified special operator status, no current intoxication, federal firearm eligibility, and ongoing compliance with training requirements. Immediate termination if criteria are not met.
    • Identification: Operators must carry proof of identity and qualification. Acceptable forms include a DoD/VA photo ID confirming status, or other government photo ID with service documentation of honorable discharge and operator status. Law enforcement may request identification.
    • Defines “qualified special operator” as a former service member who completed special operations assessments and trainings and held a relevant SO/WO/MOSC designation per U.S. Special Operations Command.
    • Clarifies Navy Special Warfare Service records considerations for certain designations.
  • Implementation and administration (Section 4):
    • Establishes a program within 180 days of enactment for the DoD and VA to issue photo identifications to qualifying veterans on request, verifying honorable discharge and operator status using their records.
    • Allows alternative proof before ID cards are issued and instructs the Attorney General to issue guidance to law enforcement to recognize existing documentation until new DoD/VA IDs are available.
    • Grants authority to DoD/VA to promulgate regulations and guidance, including form and process for IDs and coordination with law enforcement.
  • No private right of action (Section 5): Specifies that nothing in the act creates a private right of action or liability against agencies or individuals for noncompliance; remedies are limited to existing provisions.
  • Applicability (Section 6) and Severability (Section 7): Confers carry authority to qualified operators with the described documentation and preserves severability if any provision is unconstitutional.

Who is affected

  • Qualified special operators (former U.S. military personnel who earned special warfare/operations designations) seeking concealed carry privileges under federal law.
  • DoD and VA for the identification program and verification processes.
  • Federal, state, and local law enforcement in recognizing and processing the new form of identification and authority to carry.

Procedural/timeline notes

  • Enactment would trigger a 180-day window for implementing the identification program for veterans.
  • Does not provide a private right of action; enforcement relies on existing remedies under § 926C and other applicable laws as of the day before enactment.
  • The bill was introduced by Senator Tim Sheehy and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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