S. 4553: Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act

This bill, known as the Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act, aims to amend federal law regarding the purchase, ownership, or possession of enhanced body armor by civilians. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what the bill proposes:

General Prohibition

The bill introduces a ban that prohibits individuals from purchasing, owning, or possessing enhanced body armor. This is defined in the proposed amendments to Chapter 44 of Title 18 of the United States Code.

Definition of Enhanced Body Armor

Enhanced body armor is defined as body armor, including helmets or shields, that has ballistic resistance meeting or exceeding the standards set for RF1 armor by the National Institute of Justice. This classification indicates a certain level of protection against ballistic threats.

Exceptions to the Ban

While the bill prohibits most civilians from owning enhanced body armor, there are specific exceptions:

• Civilian ownership or possession is allowed if it is done under the authority of the federal government or state governments.
• Covered law enforcement officers—defined as active or qualified retired law enforcement personnel—can own or possess enhanced body armor.
• Individuals who lawfully possessed enhanced body armor prior to the enactment of this bill are exempt from the ban.

Enforcement and Penalties

The bill outlines penalties for individuals who violate the ban on enhanced body armor. Those found guilty of knowingly violating this law may face fines, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.

Technical Amendments

The bill will also make technical amendments to incorporate the new prohibition into the existing legal framework, including updating the table of sections in Title 18.

Summary

To summarize, the Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act seeks to restrict civilian access to enhanced body armor except for specific exemptions related to law enforcement and prior possession. It also establishes penalties for violations of the new law.

Relevant Companies

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