Conklin Bill Allowing Inspector General Officers to Carry Guns on Duty Signed Into Law

Gov. Josh Shapiro on Thursday signed into law legislation sponsored by state Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Rush Township, that aims to ensure the safety of enforcement officers from the Office of State Inspector General.

House Bill 36 authorizes inspector general officers to carry firearms in the to carry firearms in the performance of their official duties. The legislation, which amends the state Administrative Code, stipulates that officers must first complete basic firearms training and must take annual firearms training as approved by the state inspector general.

Inspector general officers investigate reports of fraud, waste, abuse and misconduct in state government agencies, as well as theft from public assistance recipients and programs, among other responsibilities.

“These officers work in close alignment with law enforcement, fighting against fraud, waste, misconduct and abuse in state programs and government agencies,” Conklin said in a statement prior to the legislation’s passage by the state Senate this week. “Often, this means that officers are placed in dangerous situations, and this bill would allow them to execute their duties with the utmost safety.”

The bill was met with wide bipartisan support, passing the House by a 173-29 vote and unanimously through the Senate on Wednesday before being signed by Shapiro.