Senate Bill No. 143, introduced by Senator Edmonds, aims to enhance the funding and distribution of bulletproof vests for peace officers in Louisiana. The bill amends R.S. 40:2405.1(A) and introduces new sections R.S. 40:2405.1(E) and (F). It mandates the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice to establish rules and regulations regarding the standards for bulletproof vests, ensuring they meet the U.S. Department of Justice's National Institute for Justice standards and are manufactured in countries that are part of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

Additionally, the bill creates the Department of Public Safety and Corrections Special Protective Equipment Fund, which will be funded by an annual deposit of $8.5 million from the state general fund starting July 1, 2026, along with any donations or grants designated for the fund. The fund's resources will be exclusively used for providing bulletproof vests to peace officers, and any unspent funds at the end of the fiscal year will remain in the fund. The bill is set to take effect upon the governor's signature or after the designated period for gubernatorial action.

Statutes affected:
SB143 Original: 40:1(A)