An initiative led by State Senator Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) creating the Law Enforcement Officer Bulletproof Vest Act was signed into law. House Bill 5688 requires all law enforcement agencies within the state to provide bulletproof vests as a part of their initial equipment issue for every officer employed.

“We constantly stress how important it is to keep our communities safe,” Munoz said. “This legislation makes sure we’re doing our best to protect those who protect us.” Funding for the legislation will come from a combination of state funds and funds from the unit of local government that has jurisdiction over the law enforcement agency. Also, to receive federal grants for the purchase of new bulletproof vests the state or unit of local government will also be required to apply to the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 1998.