WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch of Idaho have joined Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, in introducing legislation that would allow federal law enforcement officers to purchase their retired service firearms instead of having them destroyed.

The proposal, known as the Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act, would apply to active and retired federal officers in good standing.

Under current federal regulations, agencies are required to destroy firearms once they are retired from service. Lawmakers say that process costs taxpayers millions of dollars each year.

Crapo said the bill aims to reduce waste and save money.

“Millions of taxpayer dollars are spent each year destroying retired federal service firearms,” Crapo said. “This practice effectively means the government pays for the same firearm twice—first when it is purchased, and again when it is destroyed.”

Risch called the proposal a “commonsense” approach to reducing costs, while allowing officers the option to purchase their service weapons.

If approved, the legislation would direct the General Services Administration to establish a program allowing eligible officers to buy retired firearms within six months of the weapon’s retirement, typically at salvage value or a discounted price.

Supporters say proceeds from the sales could help offset the cost of new equipment, training and other public safety needs. The bill is backed by several national law enforcement organizations, including the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association and the National Fraternal Order of Police.

A companion bill introduced in the U.S. House passed last year, according to the release.