Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act

This bill changes the Department of Defense program (known as the 1033 program) that gives excess military property to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. It would bar transfers of certain items, including controlled firearms, grenades, explosives, armored or weaponized drones, combat aircraft, silencers, long-range acoustic devices, and mine-resistant vehicles, with some exceptions if an agency certifies need and training. Agencies seeking property would have to describe how they will use it, give the local community at least 30 days of public notice, and get approval from their city council or local governing body. Agencies would have to return property within 30 days if they become the subject of certain civil liberties investigations or findings. The bill also adds yearly inventory and accounting requirements, suspends agencies that cannot account for all controlled property, and requires regular reports to Congress.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr. Democrat sponsor
• 21 cosponsors