This bill would make it illegal for most civilians to buy, own, or have "enhanced body armor." Enhanced body armor is defined as body armor, including a helmet or shield, that meets or exceeds the ballistic performance of RF1 armor using the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) standard in effect when a person purchases, owns, or possesses the armor. The bill adds a new section to Chapter 44 of Title 18 of the U.S. Code, defines the term in section 921, and adds a criminal penalty for violations: a fine, up to 5 years in prison, or both.
The bill lists exceptions. The ban would not apply to the United States or its departments and agencies; States and their political subdivisions; Tribes or tribal law enforcement agencies; covered law enforcement officers (using the meaning from sections 926B and 926C and including corrections officers); or to enhanced body armor that a person lawfully possessed before the section takes effect. The bill was introduced in the House on May 14, 2025, and was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
If you are a private civilian after this bill takes effect, you would not be allowed to buy, own, or possess enhanced body armor as the bill defines it. People who already lawfully owned such armor before the law takes effect would be allowed to keep it. The rule would not apply to federal, state, or tribal agencies, or to covered law enforcement officers and corrections officers.
No publicly available information.
The sponsors introduced the bill to prohibit the purchase, ownership, and possession of high-performance (RF1-level or greater) body armor by civilians while keeping exceptions for federal, state, and tribal agencies, covered law enforcement officers (including corrections officers), and people who already lawfully owned such armor before the law takes effect.
No publicly available information.