Bill · S. 4553· Senate(119-S-4553)
Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act
- Introduced
- 5/18/2026
- Last activity
- 5/18/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Kirsten Gillibrand
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the ``Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act'', aims to amend title 18 of the United States Code. It seeks to prohibit civilians from purchasing, owning, or possessing enhanced body armor. Enhanced body armor is defined as body armor, including a helmet or shield, with ballistic resistance meeting or exceeding RF1 armor standards. The bill includes exceptions for the United States government, State and local agencies, Tribal law enforcement, and covered law enforcement officers. It also allows for the continued possession of armor lawfully owned before the act's enactment. Violators of this prohibition may face fines and up to five years in prison.
Yes
Does this put more limits on buying or owning guns?+8
The bill implements a strict prohibition on the civilian purchase, ownership, or possession of enhanced body armor.
The opposite
Would gun owners be better off under this?-7
The bill prohibits civilians from owning or possessing high-level ballistic protection such as enhanced body armor and helmets.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Exceptions for Law Enforcement: The bill allows for the purchase, ownership, or possession of enhanced body armor by the United States, State departments, agencies, or political subdivisions, as well as Tribes or Tribal law enforcement agencies (Section 2(a)(c)(1)). This ensures that government and law enforcement entities retain access to such equipment.
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Protection for Law Enforcement Officers: The prohibition does not apply to covered law enforcement officers, which includes qualified law enforcement officers, qualified retired law enforcement officers, and corrections officers (Section 2(a)(c)(2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Prohibition on Civilian Possession: It would be unlawful for a person to purchase, own, or possess enhanced body armor, which includes items like helmets or shields meeting specific ballistic standards (Section 2(a)(b) and Section 2(b)).
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Criminal Penalties: Individuals who knowingly violate the ban on enhanced body armor could face fines and imprisonment for up to five years (Section 2(c)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Gun Control Measures+8
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Gun Owners-7
- 5/18/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in Senate
5 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.