HB220 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Steve HurstRepresentative

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Randy WoodDuwayne BridgesRichard J. LairdAlan BootheLynn Greer

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Bullet-proof police vests, sale to general public prohibited, penalties

Summary

HB220 would restrict sale of bullet-proof police vests to the general public and create penalties for violations, with limited exceptions for law enforcement and security officers.

What This Bill Does

Prohibits selling bullet-proof vests to the general public; only authorized law enforcement representatives may purchase. It allows manufacturers or distributors to sell to retailers. It allows security officers to purchase if they have a letter authorizing the purchase from the sheriff or police chief. Violations by sellers without the required authorization would be charged as a Class A misdemeanor.

Who It Affects

• General public: cannot buy bullet-proof vests unless authorized by law enforcement.
• Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers: must restrict sales to authorized buyers and risk penalties if they sell without proper authorization.
• Security officers: may buy a vest if they present a letter of authorization from the county sheriff or the chief of police of the place of sale.
• Law enforcement agencies: represented by authorized officers who can purchase vests under the bill.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits offering bullet-proof vests for sale to anyone except an employee of a federal, state, or local law enforcement agency who is authorized to purchase.
• Allows a manufacturer or distributor to sell a vest to a retailer.
• Allows a security officer to purchase a vest with a letter of authorization from the sheriff or the chief of police where the sale occurs.
• Creates a Class A misdemeanor for selling a vest without the required authorization.
• States the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses