Brazil Chamber Commission approves expanded gun permits for public servants

The Public Security Commission of the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies has approved a bill that expands the categories of public servants authorized to carry firearms. The proposal seeks to amend the Disarmament Statute (Law 10.826/03).

Eligible categories include traffic agents, court officers, socio-educational agents, tax auditors with police powers, criminal forensic experts, environmental inspection agents, and members of the Public Defender's Office and federal/state legal departments.

The authorization is subject to specific professional conditions. For instance, traffic agents must be involved in road patrolling or inspection, while socio-educational agents must work with the custody or escort of adolescents involved in violent crimes. Court officers' permits would be restricted to cases involving crimes of violence or serious threats.

The bill now moves to the Commission on Constitution, Justice and Citizenship for analysis. To become law, it must pass through both the Chamber and the Senate. The text also requires institutions to update servant lists in the National Weapons System (Sinarm) semi-annually and report lost or stolen weapons to the Federal Police within 24 hours.