119 S4553 IS: Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act U.S. Senate 2026-05-18 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II119th CONGRESS2d SessionS. 4553IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMay 18, 2026Mrs. Gillibrand introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the JudiciaryA BILLTo amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit the purchase, ownership, or possession of enhanced body armor by civilians.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act.

2.

Ban on purchase, ownership, or possession of enhanced body armor by civilians

(a)

Ban

(1)

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)

Definition

In this section, the term covered law enforcement officer—(1)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(2)includes corrections officers.(b)

Prohibition

Except as provided in subsection (c), it shall be unlawful for a person to purchase, own, or possess enhanced body armor.(c)

Exceptions

Subsection (b) shall not apply to—(1)a purchase, ownership, or possession by or under the authority of—(A)the United States or any department or agency of the United States; (B)a State, or a department, agency, or political subdivision of a State; or(C)a Tribe or law enforcement agency of a Tribe; (2)a covered law enforcement officer; or(3)enhanced body armor that was lawfully possessed by any person before the date of enactment of this section.

.(2)

Technical and conforming amendment

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..(b)

Enhanced body armor defined

Section 921(a) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:(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..(c)

Penalties

Section 924(a) of such title is amended by adding at the end the following:(9)Whoever knowingly violates section 935 shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both..