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H.R. 3398: Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act

This bill, titled the Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act, proposes to amend federal law regarding the purchase, ownership, and possession of enhanced body armor by civilians. The main features of the bill are summarized below.

Prohibition on Enhanced Body Armor

The bill establishes a general prohibition against the purchase, ownership, and possession of enhanced body armor by civilians. Enhanced body armor is defined as body armor, including helmets and shields, that meets or exceeds certain ballistic performance standards set by the National Institute of Justice.

Exceptions to the Prohibition

While the bill bans civilians from having enhanced body armor, it includes specific exceptions where the prohibition does not apply:

Government entities, including the United States and its agencies, state governments or their subdivisions, and tribal law enforcement agencies.
Covered law enforcement officers, which includes qualified active and retired law enforcement officers.
Individuals who lawfully possessed enhanced body armor before the bill's enactment date.

Definitions and Clarifications

The legislation clarifies that a "covered law enforcement officer" includes current and retired officers as defined in existing law, and it explicitly includes corrections officers as well.

Penalties for Violating the Prohibition

The bill establishes penalties for individuals who knowingly violate the prohibition on enhanced body armor. Violators could face fines, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.

Clerical Amendments

The bill also contains clerical amendments that update the legal code to reflect these new regulations, specifically within Chapter 44 of Title 18 of the United States Code.