Bill named for Buffalo shooting victim would ban civilian rifle-rated body armor
In committeeH.R. 3398Latest action
Sponsor: Timothy M. Kennedy · Representative · NY
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act
119th Congress
Topics: Crime & justice
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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Civilians would be banned from owning high-level "enhanced body armor" that stops rifle rounds, with exceptions for police and prior owners.
40-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill would ban most civilians from buying, owning, or possessing "enhanced body armor" meeting or exceeding the RF1 ballistic standard, which can stop rifle rounds. It would not affect lighter body armor commonly sold for personal protection against handguns.
Who does it affect?
It affects civilians who own or want to buy high-level protective armor, including collectors and security contractors. Government agencies and active or retired law enforcement, including corrections officers, are exempt, as are people who legally owned such armor before the law took effect.
Why does it matter?
The restriction limits civilian access to rifle-rated protective gear following its use in a mass shooting. Violators could face prison time and fines, while police and government use of the equipment continues unchanged.
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Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMay 14, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · May 14, 2025
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.