I am very familiar with 18 U.S.C. §§ 926B & C, commonly know as the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act. When first signed into law by President Bush, I was the person assigned to making sure our department's training and identification cards was in compliance with the Act for the protection of our active and retired peace officers. I am currently qualified under the Act and exercise my privileges whenever I travel out of state.
Yes, Dave, the law does trump most state and local laws regarding concealed carry by qualified persons. To simplify the law, read the "notwithstanding" to mean "regardless of" in this case. The exceptions are on private property where the owner objects and areas of state and local government properties that may be restricted.
Dork, I am not saying a qualified person cannot legally carry a concealed weapon in NYC, because they can under the LEOSA. What I'm saying is I wouldn't because I don't want to be a test case. I have better things to do with my time and money than spending both in jail and court even though I should prevail in the end.
To keep my life simple, I choose not to visit states and locales that are antagonistic to gun owners. Places like NY, NJ and CA will never see my tourist dollars.
Article by NRA attorney