# 119-s-4553: Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act

119-s-4553, Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act, is a 119th Congress bill sponsored by Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY] (D-NY); status introduced (as of 2026-08-11).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-s-4553
- As of: 2026-08-11
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Bill: 119-s-4553
- Congress: 119
- Title: Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act
- Status: introduced
- Introduced: 2026-05-18
- Sponsor: Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY] (D-NY)
- Cosponsors: 0
- Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
- Touches household money: no
- Last recorded action: 2026-08-11

## Summary

**This bill would create a federal ban on civilian possession of enhanced body armor**, making it unlawful to buy, own, or possess armor that meets or exceeds RF1 ballistic performance, subject to narrow exceptions. Enhanced body armor is defined as armor, a helmet, or a shield that meets the National Institute of Justice RF1 standard in effect at the time of purchase or possession. Exemptions cover the United States and its agencies, States and local governments, Tribes and tribal law enforcement, covered law enforcement officers including qualified and retired officers and corrections officers, and armor lawfully owned before enactment. A knowing violation would carry a fine, imprisonment of up to 5 years, or both.

## Provisions PRIA read

- Ban on civilian enhanced body armor: cost, medium. This bill would make it illegal to buy, own, or possess "enhanced body armor." Enhanced body armor would mean armor (including a helmet or shield) that meets or exceeds RF1 ballistic performance as measured by the National Institute of Justice standard in effect when you buy or possess it. The ban…

## Related bills

- 119-s-4203: Voter Empowerment Act of 2026
- 119-s-2120: Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2025
- 119-s-5071: Children's Safe Welcome Act of 2026
- 119-s-5022: Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act
- 119-s-2819: Head Start for America's Children Act
- 119-s-1541: SHIPS for America Act of 2025

## Sources
- [119-s-4553 on Congress.gov](https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/4553)

## Related
- [119-s-4203: Voter Empowerment Act of 2026](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-s-4203)
- [119-s-2120: Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2025](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-s-2120)
- [119-s-5071: Children's Safe Welcome Act of 2026](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-s-5071)
- [119-s-5022: Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-s-5022)
- [119-s-2819: Head Start for America's Children Act](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-s-2819)
- [119-s-1541: SHIPS for America Act of 2025](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-s-1541)
- [All bills in Congress](https://policyrisk.com/legislation)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-s-4553 (as of 2026-08-11).