This Act expands the federal funding share for the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program from 50% to 60% and authorizes $60 million annually for the program through fiscal year 2030.
Chris Deluzio
Representative
PA-17
The Bipartisan Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program Expansion Act increases the federal share of grant funding for certain public safety activities from 50% to 60%. This change aims to reduce the financial burden on states for purchasing essential equipment. Additionally, the Act authorizes $60 million annually for this program from fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
Federal Share for Police Safety Vests Jumps to 60%, Securing $60M Annually Through 2030
The Bipartisan Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program Expansion Act is a straightforward piece of legislation that increases federal funding support for state and local law enforcement safety equipment. Essentially, it changes the math on how much states have to contribute to the grant program that helps outfit officers with bulletproof vests and other gear.
The New Federal-State Split
Under the existing Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program, the federal government covered 50 percent of the cost for certain grant activities, requiring states to chip in the other 50 percent. This bill changes that split for those specific activities (mentioned in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (f)(1) of the relevant law). The federal share is now increasing to 60 percent. This means states and local governments only have to cover 40 percent of the cost for that essential safety equipment. For a state agency trying to budget for hundreds of new vests, that 10 percent shift is a significant reduction in their required matching funds, freeing up state dollars for other local priorities.
Putting a Budget on Public Safety
Beyond shifting the cost burden, the bill also provides some much-needed budget stability for the program. It authorizes Congress to set aside a specific amount of money—$60,000,000 annually—for fiscal years 2026 through 2030. By setting this clear, five-year funding authorization, the program can operate with predictable resources, which helps agencies plan their equipment purchases years in advance. Think of it as locking in the budget for the next half-decade, which is a big win for consistency in public safety funding.
Who Benefits from the Change?
The primary beneficiaries here are state and local law enforcement agencies, especially those in smaller jurisdictions that often struggle to meet the 50 percent matching requirement. By dropping the state’s required contribution to 40 percent, more departments can participate, and the departments already participating can stretch their budget further. For the average person, this means better-equipped officers who have the necessary safety gear, which is a direct benefit to community safety overall. While the federal taxpayer shoulders the increased 10 percent cost, the intent is to maximize the distribution of life-saving equipment without crippling local budgets.