House Bill No. by Representative Hilferty enacts a new provision under R.S. 33:9613(H) concerning the office of the inspector general for the city of New Orleans. This legislation grants the inspector general and their investigators the authority to carry firearms while performing their official duties. To ensure proper use of firearms, the bill mandates that these individuals must annually qualify in firearm usage through the Council on Peace Officer Standards and Training and possess proof of this qualification, along with valid identification as retired law enforcement officers.

The bill aims to enhance the investigative powers of the New Orleans Office of Inspector General by allowing its personnel to be armed, thereby potentially increasing their effectiveness in carrying out their responsibilities. This change reflects a commitment to ensuring that the office is equipped to handle its duties in a manner that promotes safety and accountability.