Henry Johnson (D-GA)
Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act
A Democratic bill with 22 Democratic cosponsors · See all 22 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act," seeks to amend the laws regarding how the Department of Defense transfers personal property to Federal and State agencies. It establishes significant limitations on the types of military-grade equipment, such as certain vehicles, firearms, and aircraft, that can be transferred to law enforcement. The legislation introduces strict requirements for local community notification, local government approval, and detailed documentation of how property will be used. It also mandates rigorous annual certifications and in-person inventories to ensure all transferred items are fully accounted for. Additionally, it creates a mechanism to require the return of property if an agency is investigated for civil liberties violations.
Yes
- Scored +7
Does this change how police departments operate?
The bill increases oversight, transparency, and limitations on military-grade equipment used by law enforcement.
- Scored +6
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill mandates public notices, annual reports to Congress, and detailed documentation to increase transparency.
The opposite· 3 of 4
- Scored -3
Does this give the federal government more power?
The bill imposes stricter federal oversight and reporting requirements on how state and local agencies acquire equipment.
- Scored -2
Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster?
The bill restricts the transfer of certain vehicles and equipment that could be used in disaster response unless specific certifications are met.
- Scored -2
Does this give the government more power to monitor people inside the country?
By limiting the transfer of surveillance-capable equipment like drones and acoustic devices, it may reduce domestic surveillance capacity.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Community Transparency: Non-Federal agencies would be required to notify their local community of property requests through public website notices and prominent physical postings for at least 30 days before a transfer occurs. (Section 3(b)(9))
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Local Government Oversight: The bill requires that a recipient obtain approval from a city council or other local governing body before acquiring personal property. (Section 3(b)(10))
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Protection of Civil Liberties: The Secretary is required to ensure that property is returned within 30 days if an agency is under investigation by the Department of Justice regarding civil liberties violations or is found to have a pattern of such abuses. (Section s 3(f)(7))
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Enhanced Accountability for Equipment: The bill mandates annual certifications, in-person inventories, and quarterly reports to ensure that 100 percent of transferred controlled property is accounted for, aiming to prevent the loss of equipment. (Sections 3(d), 3(g))
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Law Enforcement Capabilities: The bill prohibits the transfer of several types of equipment, including certain controlled vehicles, firearms, ammunition, and drones, which may limit the tools available to law enforcement agencies. (Section 3(f)(1))
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Increased Administrative Burdens: Law enforcement agencies must comply with new requirements, such as submitting descriptions of intended use, certifying specific needs for certain items, and undergoing rigorous inventory processes. (Sections 3(b)(7), 3(f)(3))
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Limitations on Use of Specialized Equipment: Certain transfers, such as for firearms or vehicles, are restricted to specific public safety, disaster, or emergency purposes and cannot be used for routine patrol activities without specific certification. (Section 3(f)(3))
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this change how police departments operate? — The bill increases oversight, transparency, and limitations on military-grade equipment used by law enforcement.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster? — The bill restricts the transfer of certain vehicles and equipment that could be used in disaster response unless specific certifications are met.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this give the government more power to monitor people inside the country? — By limiting the transfer of surveillance-capable equipment like drones and acoustic devices, it may reduce domestic surveillance capacity.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates public notices, annual reports to Congress, and detailed documentation to increase transparency. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill imposes stricter federal oversight and reporting requirements on how state and local agencies acquire equipment. Does this leave more decisions to the states? — By requiring local government approval and federal certification, it potentially reduces the autonomy of local law enforcement agencies.
- 6/2/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/5/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/4/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/3/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- 19 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
André CarsonDemocrat · Indiana
Danny DavisDemocrat · Illinois
Diana DeGetteDemocrat · Colorado
Lloyd DoggettDemocrat · Texas
Dwight EvansDemocrat · Pennsylvania
Sarah ElfrethDemocrat · Maryland
Maxwell FrostDemocrat · Florida
Sylvia GarciaDemocrat · Texas
Robin KellyDemocrat · Illinois
Ro KhannaDemocrat · California
Summer LeeDemocrat · Pennsylvania
Seth MoultonDemocrat · Massachusetts
LaMonica McIverDemocrat · New Jersey
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia
Ilhan OmarDemocrat · Minnesota
Robert ScottDemocrat · Virginia
Janice SchakowskyDemocrat · Illinois
David ScottDemocrat · Georgia
Lateefah SimonDemocrat · California
Rashida TlaibDemocrat · Michigan
Shri ThanedarDemocrat · Michigan
Frederica WilsonDemocrat · Florida