Legislative Services

Rifle-Resistant Body Armor Grant Program (FY2027)

The Rifle-Resistant Body Armor Grant Program (FY2027), administered by the Texas Office of the Governor's Public Safety Office (PSO), provides funding to law enforcement agencies to equip peace officers with body armor that meets National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Type III (rifles) or Type IV (armor-piercing rifle) standards. Eligible applicants—including the Texas Department of Public Safety, units of local government, and educational institutions with law enforcement agencies—may use funds to purchase bullet-resistant vests, ballistic plates, and plate carriers. A critical requirement of this program is that all armor must be personally fitted for individual officers (including specific fitment for female officers) and agencies must adopt a formal policy addressing the use and maintenance of the armor.