Legis Daily

Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act

USA119th CongressS-4553| Senate 
| Updated: 5/18/2026
Kirsten E. Gillibrand

Kirsten E. Gillibrand

Democratic Senator

New York

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
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.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
May 14, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-3398
Introduced in House
May 18, 2026
Introduced in Senate
May 18, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  • May 14, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-3398
    Introduced in House


  • May 18, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • May 18, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act

USA119th CongressS-4553| Senate 
| Updated: 5/18/2026
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.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
May 14, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-3398
Introduced in House
May 18, 2026
Introduced in Senate
May 18, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  • May 14, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-3398
    Introduced in House


  • May 18, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • May 18, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Kirsten E. Gillibrand

Kirsten E. Gillibrand

Democratic Senator

New York

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted