Brazil Chamber of Deputies approves expanded firearm permits for public servants

The Public Security Commission of the Chamber of Deputies has approved a bill to amend the Disarmament Statute (Law 10.826/03). The proposal expands the categories of public servants authorized to carry firearms and establishes criteria for private firearm possession.

New categories eligible for carrying permits include tax auditors with administrative police powers, criminal forensic experts, socio-educational agents, traffic agents, court officers, environmental inspection agents, members of the Public Defender's Office, and certain child and youth protection agents.

Authorization for several roles is subject to specific conditions. For instance, traffic agents must be engaged in road patrolling or inspection, and socio-educational agents must work with the custody or escort of adolescents involved in violent crimes. Court officers are restricted to cases involving crimes of violence or serious threats.

Under the approved text, these weapons must be used only during service hours and remain the property and responsibility of the respective institutions. Institutions are required to update staff lists in the National Weapons System (Sinarm) semi-annually and report any loss, theft, or robbery of weapons or ammunition to the Federal Police within 24 hours.