MD SB516

Law enforcement agencies must issue protective body armor to all officers assigned to non-administrative duties, and the armor must conform to current National Institute of Justice ballistic resistance standards

Agencies must replace body armor before the manufacturer's expiration or suggested replacement date

If armor is not replaced within 31 days after expiration, the agency must notify the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission, which then notifies the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy

Grant funds will be withheld from non-compliant agencies until they prove replacement armor has been purchased or issued, except for grants specifically designated for body armor purchases

Agencies that fail to report expired armor or report three or more times in a fiscal year are barred from receiving grant funds the following year; effective October 1, 2026