Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act

This bill, titled the Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act, establishes a federal prohibition on the purchase, ownership, or possession of enhanced body armor by civilians. Enhanced body armor is specifically defined as any body armor, including helmets or shields, that meets or exceeds the ballistic performance of RF1 armor, as determined by the National Institute of Justice's standards. This measure aims to restrict access to high-level protective gear to authorized personnel. Significant exceptions to this ban include possession by or under the authority of the United States, state, or tribal governments and their agencies. The prohibition also does not apply to covered law enforcement officers , a category encompassing qualified active and retired law enforcement officers, as well as corrections officers. Furthermore, any enhanced body armor lawfully possessed before the effective date of this section is grandfathered in. Individuals who knowingly violate this prohibition could face penalties including fines, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.