The Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act
This is H.R. 3398 IH, a bill introduced in the House of Representatives on May 14, 2025.
Section 1: Short Title
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act’’.
This Act was enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled.
Section 2: Ban on Purchase, Ownership, or Possession of Enhanced Body Armor by Civilians; Exceptions
(a) Ban
In general, chapter 44 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
‘‘§ 935. Ban on purchase, ownership, or possession of enhanced body armor by civilians’’.
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), it shall be unlawful for a person to purchase, own, or possess enhanced body armor.
(b) Exceptions
Subsection (a) shall not apply to:
- a purchase, ownership, or possession by or under the authority of—
- a State, or a department, agency, or political subdivision of a State;
- a Tribe or law enforcement agency of a Tribe;
- a covered law enforcement officer;
- enhanced body armor that was lawfully possessed by any person at any time before the date this section takes effect.
(c) Covered Law Enforcement Officer
In this section, the term ‘covered law enforcement officer’ has the meaning given the term ‘qualified law enforcement officer’ in section 926B and the term ‘qualified retired law enforcement officer’ in section 926C; and includes corrections officers.
Section 3: Enhanced Body Armor Defined
The table of sections for chapter 44 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
‘‘935. Ban on purchase, ownership, or possession of enhanced body armor by civilians’’.
(39) The term ‘enhanced body armor’ means body armor, including a helmet or shield, the ballistic resistance of which meets or exceeds the ballistic performance of RF1 armor, determined using such standard as the National Institute of Justice has in effect at the time at which a person purchases, owns, or possesses such armor.
Section 4: Penalties
(9) Whoever knowingly violates section 935 shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.
Direct Link to Bill
https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/BILLS-119hr3398ih
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