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MarylandSB 05162026 Regular SessionSenate

Law Enforcement - Protective Body Armor - Requirements and Reporting

Sponsored By: Jeff Waldstreicher (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Public SafetyCrime Prevention and Policy, Governor's Office ofEquipment -see also- Charging; Med. Equip.; MV Equip; etc.GrantsLaw Enforcement -see also- SRO; Sheriffs; State PoliceNoticesPolice Training and Standards CommissionTime

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Up-to-date body armor for officers

Beginning October 1, 2026, agencies may not send officers to field duties unless the officer is issued protective body armor. The armor must meet current National Institute of Justice ballistic standards. It cannot be past the maker’s expiration or suggested replacement date. Agencies must replace armor before that date.

Grant penalties for overdue armor

Beginning October 1, 2026, if armor is not replaced within 31 days after the maker’s date, the agency must notify the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission. The Commission then alerts the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy. The Governor’s Office withholds the agency’s grant money until the agency proves it bought or issued compliant armor. Grants that are only for buying armor are not withheld. The Governor’s Office does not give grants in the next fiscal year if the agency failed to notify or sent three or more overdue notices.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jeff Waldstreicher

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Nick Charles

    Democratic • Senate

  • William G. Folden

    Republican • Senate

  • Shaneka Henson

    Democratic • Senate

  • Mary-Dulany James

    Democratic • Senate

  • Sara Love

    Democratic • Senate

  • Mike McKay

    Republican • Senate

  • C. Anthony Muse

    Democratic • Senate

  • William C. Smith

    Democratic • Senate

  • Charles E. Sydnor

    Democratic • Senate

  • Chris West

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 176 • No: 0

House vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 131 • No: 0 • Other: 7

Senate vote • 3/12/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 45 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 461

    5/12/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/10/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (131-0)

    4/10/2026House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/8/2026House

  5. Favorable Report by Judiciary

    4/8/2026House

  6. Referred Judiciary

    3/13/2026House

  7. Third Reading Passed (45-0)

    3/12/2026Senate

  8. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/10/2026Senate

  9. Favorable with Amendments {943724/1 Adopted

    3/10/2026Senate

  10. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judicial Proceedings

    3/9/2026Senate

  11. Hearing 2/17 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/4/2026Senate

  12. First Reading Judicial Proceedings

    2/3/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/10/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/3/2026

    PDF

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