OMAHA, NE- Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02-R) was today joined by local law enforcement and prosecutors to discuss two pieces of legislation he has introduced: H.R. 4896, the LEOSA Training Extension Act, and H.R. 5134, the Stop Straw Purchases Act, legislation addressing increased punishments for straw purchases. Congressman Salud Carbajal (CA-24-D) is an original cosponsor on the Stop Straw Purchases Act.

H.R. 4896 allows each state to extend the training requirements for those carrying under the Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA) from every twelve months, to up to every thirty-six months. Those carrying under LEOSA are former law enforcement officers who have already had extensive training for the use of firearms.  This provision will lessen the burden on responsible, well-trained, seasoned law enforcement veterans, who put their lives on the line to better their communities.

In Nebraska, those with a concealed carry permit have completed a required training course, and hold a permit that must be renewed every five years. If one chooses to not renew their permit before the original five-year period ends, an additional training course must be completed before issuing a renewed concealed carry permit.

“I am glad to introduce this legislation, because it will have an impact on many of our nation’s law enforcement officials,” said Rep. Bacon. “I’ve heard from law enforcement officials throughout Nebraska’s Second District on the importance this change will have in the lives of our community’s heroes.”

“We appreciate the constructive and necessary steps Congressman Bacon took to reform the Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act in a positive manner,” said Douglas County Sheriff Timothy Dunning. “By allowing states to extend the training requirement from annually to up to every 36 months, we are ensuring that those who have put their lives at risk in the line of duty will be afforded proper concealed carry benefits.”

The Stop Straw Purchases Act will increase punishments for those who purchase guns for someone who is prohibited by law from possessing one. An illegal firearm purchase, or straw purchase, is a federal crime and applies to purchases for those who are prohibited by law from possessing a gun or someone who does not want their name associated with the purchase. The legislation will increase the maximum punishment for the purchaser and the receiver of the firearm to include a fine up to $750,000, and a prison term for up to 25 years. Current law calls for a fine of up to $250,000 and a prison term of up to 10 years in prison.

“I would like to personally thank Congressman Don Bacon for his efforts to increase the maximum punishment for anyone who purchases a firearm for another person who is prohibited by law from possessing it,” said Jeff Davis, Sarpy County Sheriff. “This legislation is clearly a step in the right direction, and is a benefit for all law enforcement officers not only in the second district and the State of Nebraska, but the entire country.”

In addition, a “Kingpin Clause” included in the legislation makes it unlawful for any person affecting interstate commerce to have straw purchaser(s) acquire firearms to enable a gun trafficking enterprise. This clause, which includes anyone trying to traffic weapons across state lines, will subject the organizer or “kingpin” of the operation to a fine of $1,000,000, up to 30 years in prison, or both.

Finally, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives must ensure that the Firearms Transaction Record used to purchase firearms contains a clear outline of the penalties. 

“Most of the gun-related crime is committed by someone who should not have access to a firearm, but they are able to get it because someone else makes the purchase,” said Rep. Bacon. “This was the case with Omaha Police Officer Kerrie Orozco, who was killed in the line of duty and the gun used was obtained through a straw purchase. The purchaser walked away with a slap on the wrist.”

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