This bill amends the existing law regarding the "Body Armor Replacement Fund" to expand the eligibility for grants provided by the fund. Currently, grants are available to local law enforcement agencies, the Division of State Police, the Division of Criminal Justice, the Administrative Office of the Courts, and the Department of Corrections. The new language allows the Attorney General to also administer grants to any other State department or agency that appoints law enforcement officers, thereby enabling agencies such as the Department of Environmental Protection to procure body vests for their conservation officers and State Park Police officers.

Additionally, the bill introduces a definition for "law enforcement officer," which is crucial for determining eligibility for grant funding. The legislation aims to ensure a balanced distribution of grants among eligible officers over a five-year vest replacement cycle, prioritizing those in high-risk positions. The Attorney General is tasked with establishing rules and regulations for the grant program, including application procedures and criteria for prioritizing grant awards based on factors like crime rates and the condition of existing body vests.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:17B-4.4