Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act

This bill proposes to amend federal law to prohibit civilians from purchasing, owning, or possessing enhanced body armor, which is defined as protective gear, including helmets or shields, meeting or exceeding RF1 ballistic performance standards set by the National Institute of Justice. The legislation provides specific exceptions for government entities, including federal, state, and tribal agencies, and for covered law enforcement officers, encompassing active and retired law enforcement and corrections personnel. Furthermore, any enhanced body armor lawfully possessed by an individual before the bill's enactment date would be exempt from the new ban.

The primary goal is to restrict access to high-level ballistic protection for non-authorized individuals, aiming to enhance public safety. Violations of this prohibition would carry significant federal penalties, including fines, imprisonment for up to five years, or both, for those found to have knowingly disregarded the law.