Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act

This bill would prohibit civilians from purchasing, owning, or possessing enhanced body armor, adding these restrictions as a new offense under federal law. Enhanced body armor is defined as armor (including helmets or shields) with ballistic resistance at least as strong as NIJ RF1 armor, using the NIJ standard in effect at the time of purchase. Civilians could still receive or keep enhanced armor if it is possessed by certain authorized entities (federal, state, local, or tribal governments; or “covered” law enforcement officers) or if it was lawfully possessed before the act takes effect. The measure also creates penalties for violations, including fines and/or up to five years in prison. A clerical amendment adds the new provision to the relevant section of the U.S. Code.