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S. 4553119th CongressIn committeeLatest action May 18, 2026Decoded by AI · checked against the record
Official title: Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govThe plain-language version leads. The official text is always the reference.
The bill would criminalize civilian purchase or possession of rifle-resistant body armor, with exceptions for law enforcement and prior owners.
45-second read · 5 questions answered below
This bill would make it a federal crime for ordinary civilians to buy, own, or possess "enhanced body armor," meaning gear like body armor, helmets, or shields that meets or exceeds the rifle-resistant RF1 standard set by the National Institute of Justice. Standard soft body armor for handgun protection would remain legal.
It would affect civilians who own or want rifle-rated or military-grade body armor, including collectors, some private security personnel, and hobbyists. Government agencies, active or retired law enforcement and corrections officers, and those who already legally own such armor before the law takes effect would be exempt.
Violators could face criminal penalties, restricting civilian access to a category of protective gear previously available for purposes like target shooting or personal protection.
AI-drafted summary. Verify it against the official text before you act on it. Read the official bill on Congress.gov
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the President.
Latest action: — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.