CA SB408

Amends Penal Code Section 12370 to redefine "body armor" as any bullet-resistant material intended to provide ballistic and trauma protection, replacing a prior definition that was ruled unconstitutionally vague in People v. Saleem.

Maintains criminal penalty of 16 months or 2-3 years imprisonment for violent felons who purchase, own, or possess body armor without authorization.

Establishes exception procedure allowing persons with violent felony convictions to petition their chief of police or county sheriff for relief from the prohibition if employment, livelihood, or safety depends on possessing body armor.

Requires petitioners granted relief to carry a certified copy of law enforcement permission; provides immunity to law enforcement from false arrest liability unless petitioner possesses required certified documentation.

Took effect immediately upon approval by the Governor on June 2, 2010, as an urgency statute.