Bill > H2144

This bill aims to regulate the transfer of "military grade controlled property," which refers to specific types of equipment, articles, and related technical data listed on federal control lists like the Department of State Munitions Control List or the Department of Commerce Control List, from federal agencies to state and local law enforcement agencies. It defines "federal agency" as any federal military, law enforcement, or intelligence entity, and "law enforcement agency" broadly to include various police, sheriff, and correctional departments, as well as regional task forces. The bill introduces new requirements for such transfers, including that state law enforcement agencies must detail the type and quantity of property they intend to acquire with federal grant funds or through transfer programs like the 1033 Program, and this information must be presented to the state legislature for consideration of appropriations and policy. For local law enforcement agencies, the bill mandates that they must notify their "local legislative body" (the elected governing body of a city or town, such as a city council or select board) of any intended application for military-grade property, hold a public hearing where residents can comment, respond to public concerns, and obtain a prior public vote of approval from the local legislative body before applying. For multi-jurisdictional agencies, they must notify all participating local legislative bodies and obtain approval from the Secretary of Public Safety and Security, who will consider input from those local bodies. Finally, the state police must also obtain approval from the Secretary of Public Safety and Security before applying for such property.