If enacted, the bill would significantly change the landscape of retirement benefits for federal employees in law enforcement roles. By broadening the definition to encompass additional job titles within various agencies—including the Internal Revenue Service and U.S. Customs and Border Protection—employees who perform law enforcement-related duties would have access to improved retirement benefits. This amendment aims to recognize the risks associated with these positions and ensure that they are compensated appropriately upon retirement.
Summary
SB1658, also known as the Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act, seeks to amend title 5 of the United States Code by expanding the definition of a law enforcement officer for retirement purposes. The bill, introduced by Senator Booker and co-sponsored by Senator Vance, aims to ensure that more federal employees, specifically those involved in law enforcement activities, are classified as law enforcement officers for retirement benefits. This includes certain positions that were previously excluded but perform similar duties such as investigating or apprehending individuals suspected of criminal offenses.
Contention
One point of contention surrounding the bill is the potential financial implications for federal retirement systems. Opponents may argue that expanding the definition could lead to increased costs for retirement benefits programs, causing a strain on the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund. Additionally, there could be concerns regarding the criteria for designating positions as law enforcement roles and the administrative burden associated with these changes. Stakeholders will likely debate the balance between providing adequate benefits to employees and the sustainability of the retirement system.
Assault Weapons Ban of 2023 This bill makes it a crime to knowingly import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon (SAW) or large capacity ammunition feeding device (LCAFD). The prohibition does not apply to a firearm that is (1) manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action, except for certain shotguns; (2) permanently inoperable; (3) an antique; (4) only capable of firing rimfire ammunition; or (5) a rifle or shotgun specifically identified by make and model. The bill also exempts from the prohibition the following, with respect to a SAW or LCAFD: importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession related to certain law enforcement efforts, or authorized tests or experiments; importation, sale, transfer, or possession related to securing nuclear materials; and possession by a retired law enforcement officer. The bill permits continued possession, sale, or transfer of a grandfathered SAW, which must be securely stored. A licensed gun dealer must conduct a background check prior to the sale or transfer of a grandfathered SAW between private parties. The bill permits continued possession of, but prohibits sale or transfer of, a grandfathered LCAFD. Newly manufactured LCAFDs must display serial number identification. Newly manufactured SAWs and LCAFDs must display the date of manufacture. The bill also allows a state or local government to use Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program funds to compensate individuals who surrender a SAW or LCAFD under a buy-back program.