Bipartisan Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program Expansion Act
This bill, the Bipartisan Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program Expansion Act, would expand federal support for the Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program. It increases the federal share of eligible vest costs from 50 percent to 60 percent, meaning the federal government would cover a larger portion of the cost and local or non-federal partners would cover less. It also establishes a five-year funding authorization of $60 million per year (for fiscal years 2026 through 2030) to carry out the program. In short, the bill aims to boost federal financial participation in purchasing ballistic vests for law enforcement by both raising the match from 50% to 60% and guaranteeing a stable annual appropriation for the relevant period.
Key Points
- 1Federal share increased: The match for eligible bulletproof vest purchases rises from 50% to 60%.
- 2Funding authorization: The bill authorizes $60 million per year for fiscal years 2026–2030 to support the program.
- 3Program scope: Applies to the Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968.
- 4Legislative change: Subsection (f)(1) is amended to reflect the higher match; subsection (h) is replaced with a new authorization provision.
- 5Policy goal: Expand federal funding to improve officer safety by increasing vest purchases across eligible jurisdictions.