SENATE APPROVES SEN. BRANDON STORM BILL TO SUPPORT BODY ARMOR GRANTS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT
SB 333 directs proceeds from confiscated firearms auctions to fund protective equipment for officers
FRANKFORT, KY. (March 13, 2026) — The Kentucky Senate has approved Senate Bill (SB) 333, legislation sponsored by Sen. Brandon Storm, R-London, to strengthen funding for protective equipment for law enforcement officers across the Commonwealth.
SB 333 updates Kentucky law governing the sale of confiscated firearms by the Kentucky State Police and directs the proceeds to the Office of the Attorney General to support grants for local law enforcement agencies.
Those grant funds may be used by police departments, sheriff’s offices, university safety departments, school districts with special law enforcement officers, and airport security departments to purchase critical equipment, including body armor, firearms, body-worn cameras, and electronic control devices.
The legislation places a clear priority on officer safety by directing the first use of available funds toward providing and replacing body armor for sworn officers and service animals.
“Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities,” Storm said. “This legislation helps ensure the resources generated through firearms forfeitures are reinvested into protecting the men and women who protect us.”
SB 333 also maintains safeguards to ensure firearms are returned to lawful owners when appropriate and requires the Kentucky State Police to verify whether confiscated firearms were stolen before they are sold.
Storm said the measure helps ensure that proceeds from confiscated firearms are put to good use while strengthening safety for officers serving communities across Kentucky.
The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Learn more about bills, committees, and other important updates on the 2026 Regular Session at www.kylegislature.gov.