Bill · S. 693· Senate(119-S-693)
DHS Better Ballistic Body Armor Act
- Introduced
- 2/24/2025
- Last activity
- 2/24/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Gary Peters
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "DHS Better Ballistic Body Armor Act," aims to improve the effectiveness of body armor for female agents and officers within the Department of Homeland Security. It requires the procurement of armor specifically designed to fit various body shapes and provide better coverage. The mandate includes advanced technology to prevent bullets from redirecting into the throat or spinal area. To ensure accountability, agencies must submit annual reports regarding the issuance and compliance of this armor. Finally, the act requires that all agents and officers whose duties require body armor be issued compliant equipment within three years.
Yes
Would women be better off under this?+8
The bill specifically enhances the physical protection of female agents and officers through improved body armor fit and technology.
Does this narrow the gap between how men and women are treated?+7
The bill requires the procurement of body armor specifically designed to fit female body shapes to ensure better protection for female agents and officers.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+4
The bill mandates annual reports on the issuance of compliant body armor to be submitted to the Secretary and Congressional committees.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Enhanced Physical Protection: The bill requires body armor to be specifically designed for the body shapes of agents and officers, ensuring a better fit and coverage (Section 3(a)(1) and 3(a)(2)).
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Improved Safety Against Specific Injuries: The legislation calls for technology that prevents a bullet from redirecting off the chest at an upward angle into the throat or spinal cord region (Section 3(a)(4)).
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Verified Fit Standards: Armor must be assessed and verified upon delivery to ensure it meets ASTM International standards for fit (Section 3(a)(3)).
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Specialized Testing for Better Contact: The bill mandates testing on female-shaped clay or gelatin molds to ensure soft body armor panels properly fill the space behind the panel (Section 3(a)(5)(A) and 3(a)(5)(B)).
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Testing for Angled Shots: The requirements include specific testing for angled shots to address concerns about bullets skipping into the neckline (Section 3(a)(5)(D) and 3(a)(5)(E)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are explicitly mentioned in the text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Women+8
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Gender Equality+7
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+4
- 2/24/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Katie BrittRepublican · Alabama