Bill > A02517

This bill establishes a new "Police Canine Vest Fund" to support state and municipal police departments in protecting and equipping their canine units. The fund will be managed jointly by the state comptroller and the commissioner of taxation and finance, and can receive money from various sources including grants, gifts, and bequests. The primary purpose of the fund is to purchase, maintain, repair, and replace soft body ballistic armor vests and other protective equipment for police canines, as well as to purchase and train these canines. Municipal police departments can apply to the state police superintendent for assistance in acquiring protective gear for their canine units, and the superintendent will develop a process for reviewing and selecting which departments receive support. The fund's money can only be used for its intended purposes, and will be disbursed through vouchers approved by the state police superintendent and audited by the state comptroller. The bill emphasizes that this fund does not prevent police departments from using their own funds for canine equipment, and provides a mechanism to enhance the safety and capabilities of police canine units across the state.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2517