Bipartisan Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program Expansion Act
The Bipartisan Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program Expansion Act would increase the federal contribution to the Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program. Specifically, it raises the federal cost share from 50% to 60% for the relevant grant categories and replaces the existing appropriation language with a new authorizing provision that allocates $60 million per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to support the program. The goal is to expand access to bulletproof vests for state and local law enforcement by increasing federal funding and reducing the local cost burden. The bill is sponsored by Representatives Deluzio (with co-sponsor Garbarino) and is introduced in the 119th Congress. It amends Section 2501 of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to formalize the higher match and set an explicit multi-year funding level for the program.
Key Points
- 1Raises the federal cost share for the Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program from 50% to 60% (for subparagraphs A and B under Section 2501(f)(1)).
- 2Rewrites the appropriations language to authorize $60,000,000 in funding for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2030 to carry out the program.
- 3The changes are targeted at the Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program, which supports local law enforcement purchases of bulletproof vests.
- 4The amendments are achieved by modifying the statute in Section 2501 of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10531).
- 5The bill is titled the “Bipartisan Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program Expansion Act,” signaling an emphasis on bipartisan support and expansion of the program.