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HB2217

Regular Session

Relating to establishing a grant program to equip motor vehicles used by peace officers with certain bullet-resistant components.

Moderate
Low Cost
Effective:2025-06-20
Enforcing Agencies

Criminal Justice Division (Office of the Governor)

HB2217
Relating to establishing a grant program to equip motor vehicles used by peace officers with certain bullet-resistant components.
Moderate Urgency
Passed with Opposition
House Vote137 - 6
YEA
96% in favor143 voting
Senate Vote31 - 0
YEA
100% in favor31 voting
6
Total Opposition Votes
Cost Impact
Low
Effective
2025-06-20
Enforcing Agencies
Criminal Justice Division
Primary Author: Rep. Trey Wharton
89th Texas Legislature
jdkey.com
01

Compliance Analysis

Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation

Implementation Timeline

  • Effective Date: June 20, 2025
  • Compliance Deadline: Immediate upon grant application. Vendors must align product specifications with grant requirements before agencies submit applications (expected Q3 2025).
  • Agency Rulemaking: The CJD is currently establishing eligibility criteria and application protocols. We are in a regulatory gray zone until the CJD publishes the specific ballistic standards (e.g., NIJ levels) required for reimbursement.

Immediate Action Plan

  • Audit Inventory: Immediately categorize your ballistic glass and panel inventory by NIJ protection level to prepare for the CJD's technical requirements.
  • Update Quote Templates: Create specific line-item quotes that separate grant-eligible items (windows/doors) from ineligible items (sirens/lights) to prevent application rejection.
  • Monitor eGrants: Assign a compliance officer to monitor the Office of the Governor’s eGrants portal daily for the release of the Request for Applications (RFA).
  • Verify Warranty Impact: Confirm with OEM manufacturers that your specific installation methods for these heavy components do not void factory powertrain or suspension warranties.

Operational Changes Required

Contracts

  • Contingency Clauses: Vendors must amend sales agreements with Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) to include "Subject to Grant Award" contingencies. Do not recognize revenue until the LEA receives the CJD award letter.
  • Payment Terms: Shift payment terms for grant-funded projects to Net-60 or Net-90. State grants operate on a reimbursement basis; agencies will not have the cash to pay vendors until the state reimburses them.

Hiring/Training

  • Sales Engineering: Sales teams must be trained to stop selling on "general safety" and start selling on "grant compliance." They must be able to assist LEAs in drafting the technical justifications required for the grant application.
  • Liability/GVWR Training: Installation technicians must be trained to verify that the added weight of ballistic glass and panels does not exceed the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which creates significant liability exposure.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

  • VIN-Specific Documentation: The law requires proof of *installation*, not just purchase. Invoices must be itemized by Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
  • Audit Trail: Maintain all grant-related records, including proof of NIJ compliance and installation work orders, for a minimum of 7 years to satisfy state audit requirements.

Fees & Costs

  • Cash Flow Impact: Vendors must be prepared to carry the accounts receivable costs during the gap between installation and state reimbursement.
  • No New Fees: There are no new state fees imposed on businesses by this bill.

Strategic Ambiguities & Considerations

  • Ballistic Standards: The statute uses the vague term "bullet-resistant." It does not specify a National Institute of Justice (NIJ) protection level (e.g., IIIA vs. III vs. IV). If the CJD mandates a level higher than your product offers, your inventory will be ineligible.
  • Funding Availability: The Fiscal Note indicates "indeterminate cost" and "subject to available money." If the Legislature did not appropriate specific riders, the CJD may cap the dollar amount per vehicle, potentially requiring agencies to cover the difference.

Need Help Understanding Implementation?

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Information presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.

02

Legislative Timeline

This bill's path through the Texas Legislature

Filed
Jan 29, 2025
Passed House
Apr 29, 2025
Passed Senate
May 28, 2025
Signed
Jun 20, 2025
TopicsLaw EnforcementVehicles & TrafficVehicles & Traffic--equipmentVehicles & Traffic--generalPeace OfficersCriminal Justice Division, Governor's OfficeState FinancesState Finances--management & Control
03

House Authors

Rep. Trey WhartonRepublican · Primary Author
Joint Authors
Coauthors (28)

Senate Sponsors

Sen. Brent HagenbuchRepublican · Primary Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)

Bill Text(with markup)

View bill text in multiple formats on Texas Legislature website

Fiscal NoteView Original

Related Legislation

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More from Rep. Trey Wharton

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Related by Topic

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Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about HB2217

Q

What does Texas HB2217 do?

HB2217 immediately authorizes the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division (CJD) to administer grants funding bullet-resistant windshields, windows, and door panels for law enforcement vehicles. This legislation creates a specific revenue stream for defense suppliers and vehicle upfitters, but access to funds is strictly contingent upon adherence to forthcoming CJD eligibility rules and proof-of-installation mandates. Implementation Timeline Effective Date: June 20, 2025 Compliance Deadline: Immediate upon grant application.

Q

Who authored HB2217?

HB2217 was authored by Texas Representative Trey Wharton during the Regular Session.

Q

When was HB2217 signed into law?

HB2217 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025.

Q

Which agencies enforce HB2217?

HB2217 is enforced by Criminal Justice Division (Office of the Governor).

Q

How urgent is compliance with HB2217?

The compliance urgency for HB2217 is rated as "moderate". Businesses and organizations should review the requirements and timeline to ensure timely compliance.

Q

What is the cost impact of HB2217?

The cost impact of HB2217 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.

Q

What topics does HB2217 address?

HB2217 addresses topics including law enforcement, vehicles & traffic, vehicles & traffic--equipment, vehicles & traffic--general and peace officers.

Legislative data provided by LegiScanLast updated: November 25, 2025

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