Relating to the use of metal or body armor while committing an offense; increasing a criminal penalty.

HB 2383 increases criminal penalties for individuals who use metal or body armor during certain offenses. It requires judges to make an affirmative finding if a defendant used such armor during the commission of a crime classified as a Class A misdemeanor or higher (excluding first-degree felonies). If this finding is made, the punishment level rises to that of the next higher offense category, with a minimum 180-day jail term for Class A misdemeanors. The law applies only to offenses committed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025.