Senator Sheehy proposes bill to grant concealed-carry rights to former special-ops veterans

Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT) unveiled the Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act, seeking to amend Section 926C of Title 18 so that former special-operations service members receive the same nationwide concealed-carry authority granted to retired law-enforcement officers under LEOSA. The proposal defines “qualified special operators” as veterans who completed special-operations assessment, earned a designated MOS or skill designator, and maintain an honorable discharge.

Eligible individuals must complete state-mandated firearms qualification within a year and finish a certified “Concealed Carry Use of Force in Society” course, bearing all costs themselves. Proof of eligibility would be shown via DoD or VA photo ID, or civilian ID with service records, and would be subject to verification by law-enforcement. The measure directs the Defense Department and Veterans Affairs to launch a joint identification system within 180 days, while reaffirming existing federal gun bans and limiting legal remedies to those already available. Representative Pat Harrigan (R-NC) introduced a companion House bill earlier this year.