H.R. 7766: Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act

This bill, known as the **Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act**, aims to amend the way military equipment and resources are transferred from the Department of Defense (DoD) to local law enforcement agencies. Its primary objectives are to impose stricter limitations on the types of military-grade property that can be transferred and to enhance accountability and oversight regarding those transfers.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• Limitation on Transfers: The bill prohibits the transfer of certain controlled equipment from the DoD to local law enforcement agencies. This includes:
  • Firearms and ammunition
  • Bayonets and grenade launchers
  • Explosives and stun grenades
  • Military vehicles, like mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles (MRAPs)
  • Armored drones and certain aircraft
  • Silencers and long-range acoustic devices
• Certification Requirements: Before receiving any property, local law enforcement agencies must:
  • Submit a description of how they will use the property.
  • Certify that if the property is no longer needed, it will be returned to the DoD.
  • Notify the local community about their request for military property by publishing a notice online and in public places.
  • Obtain local governing body approval (e.g., city council) for acquiring the property.
• Accountability Measures:
  • Annual written certification from the Secretary of Defense is required to confirm that agencies receiving equipment have accounted for all transferred property.
  • Agencies must return any transferred property if they are under investigation for civil liberties violations related to the use of that property.
  • Reports must be submitted to Congress regarding the use of controlled equipment, losses, and the status of property transfers.
• Conditions for Property Ownership: Federal and State agencies cannot own controlled property permanently; they must return it to the DoD when it's no longer needed.
• Provisions for Waivers: The Secretary of Defense can grant waivers for certain types of vehicles for emergency purposes, but the agency must provide public notice about the waiver.

Effective Date

The changes stipulated by the bill will apply to property transfers made after the bill is enacted.

Relevant Companies