New Federal Bill Bans Civilian Ownership of 'Enhanced Body Armor,' Carrying Up to 5 Years in Prison

This legislation, titled the Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act, creates a new federal prohibition: it makes it illegal for most civilians to buy, own, or possess "enhanced body armor." This isn't just about the heavy, military-grade stuff, either. The bill defines this armor as any protective gear—including helmets or shields—that meets or exceeds the protection level of RF1 armor, according to the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) standards. If passed, knowingly breaking this rule could land you a fine, up to five years in federal prison, or both.

The Shifting Goalposts of Protection

One of the trickiest parts of this bill is how it defines what is illegal. Instead of listing specific materials or fixed standards, the definition of "enhanced body armor" is tied to the NIJ's current RF1 standard at the exact moment you possess it. Think about it like this: You buy a protective vest today that is perfectly legal, maybe rated Level IV (which typically exceeds RF1). But if the NIJ updates its standards next year, and your vest suddenly falls into the newly defined RF1 or higher category, your previously legal equipment could become a federal crime to possess, even if you bought it years ago. This creates a moving target for compliance that could trip up ordinary people who aren't constantly checking federal regulatory updates.

Who Gets a Pass?

The ban isn't universal, of course. The bill carves out broad exceptions for government entities. Federal, state, local, and Tribal governments and their agencies are exempt. Crucially, the ban does not apply to "covered law enforcement officers," which includes active and retired police officers, as well as corrections officers. This means the bill effectively concentrates the ability to own the highest level of personal protection within state and federal structures, while prohibiting it for the general public. If you lawfully owned the armor before the law takes effect, there’s a grandfather clause that lets you keep it, but it’s unclear how people would prove the date of purchase if challenged.

Real-World Implications for Self-Defense

For the average person concerned about personal safety, this bill significantly restricts options. If you are a security guard, a jeweler, or perhaps live in a remote area and rely on advanced personal protection, this law removes access to equipment that provides defense against high-powered rifle rounds. The bill essentially makes the choice to own higher-grade protective gear a federal crime punishable by serious prison time, creating a stark disparity between the protective capabilities of law enforcement and the civilian population. If you're someone who relies on this equipment for a high-risk job or simply peace of mind, you need to pay very close attention to how this NIJ standard evolves—because your protective gear could become contraband overnight.