HR5391-119

What This Bill Does

The Bipartisan Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program Expansion Act strengthens a specific Justice Department law-enforcement equipment grant. It amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act so the federal share for Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program awards rises from 50 percent to 60 percent. That reduces the matching burden for jurisdictions buying body armor for officers. It also replaces the program authorization with $60 million for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2030, giving Congress a five-year funding target for vest reimbursement grants.

Who Benefits and How

Local police departments benefit because a larger federal share reduces the local match for bulletproof vest purchases. Law enforcement officers benefit because the program supports body armor that lowers injury and death risk during dangerous calls. Small law enforcement agencies benefit because moving from a 50 percent to 60 percent federal share makes vest replacement more affordable. Body armor manufacturers benefit indirectly if higher authorized funding supports more vest purchases.

Who Bears the Burden and How

Bureau of Justice Assistance grant staff must administer the higher matching share and larger authorization level. Local governments still must provide the remaining 40 percent match for covered vest purchases. Federal taxpayers fund the higher federal share and the $60 million annual authorization. Grant applicants must document eligible body armor costs under the expanded program.

Key Provisions

• Expands the federal Bulletproof Vest Partnership grant share from 50 percent to 60 percent.
• Authorizes $60 million per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
• Reduces local matching costs for body armor purchases.
• Supports officer safety through a larger federal reimbursement share.