Brazilian commissions approve armed boarding for security agents

The Public Security and Combat of Organized Crime Commission of the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies has approved a bill to expand the rights of public security agents to board commercial flights while armed. The proposal, an amendment to the Disarmament Statute (PL 1687/26), was originally intended to benefit only state and Federal District civil police officers. However, rapporteur Deputy Roberto Monteiro Pai expanded the scope to include all public agents with functional firearm permits to ensure equality among security careers.

To qualify for armed boarding, agents must hold a professional firearm permit, be actively performing their duties, and demonstrate a specific need for the weapon during the entire flight. Valid justifications include intelligence activities, escorts, or operational readiness. The Federal Police will be responsible for document verification and may deny requests based on written risk assessments.

Under the proposed rules, agents are prohibited from carrying loaded weapons inside the aircraft and cannot consume alcohol before or during the flight. Firearms must be stored discreetly under the coordination of the aircraft commander. The federal government will establish technical regulations regarding weapon quantity, storage methods, and airport procedures.