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Special ops veterans would gain nationwide concealed carry rights

In committeeH.R. 8332Latest action

Sponsor: Pat Harrigan · Representative · NC

AIDecoded by AI · checked against the record
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Official title: Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act

119th Congress

Topics: Crime & justice

Introduced:

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

In plain words

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HR 8332 would let qualifying current and former special operations military members carry a concealed firearm in any U.S. state.

60-second read · 4 questions answered below

What does this do?

This bill would give certain current and former military special operations personnel the right to carry a concealed firearm anywhere in the country. This right would be permanent as long as the person has an honorable discharge, legally qualifies to own a firearm, and carries valid proof of their service. The Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs would create an ID card to confirm eligibility, and the Attorney General would guide law enforcement on how to recognize it.

Who does it affect?

To qualify, a person must have served in an elite unit such as Army Special Forces, Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, Marine Corps Recon or Scout Snipers, or Air Force special operations roles, and held a rank from E-5 through the highest officer grades. Unlike retired law enforcement officers who have a similar federal right, qualifying special operators would not need to pass an annual firearms recertification test.

Why does it matter?

If passed, special operations personnel would gain a nationwide concealed carry right that currently does not exist for them under federal law. The authority would end automatically if a person loses their honorable discharge status or becomes ineligible to own a firearm under federal law.

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Where does it stand?

  1. IntroducedApr 16, 2026
  2. House committeeYou are here · May 7, 2026
  3. House vote
  4. Senate
  5. The president's desk

Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.

Latest action: — Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

Data as of October 9, 2026
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