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S. 4553

BillFederalSenateIn Committee
A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit the purchase, ownership, or possession of enhanced body armor by civilians.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · May 18, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Congress
119th (2025–2027)
Introduced
May 18, 2026
Cosponsors (0)
None
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Summary

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This bill would make it illegal for most civilians to purchase, own, or possess enhanced body armor, which is defined as armor that meets or exceeds certain ballistic protection standards set by the National Institute of Justice. The ban would apply to all civilian purchases and ownership going forward, though law enforcement officers, corrections officers, retired law enforcement officers, government agencies, and people who already owned such armor before the law takes effect would be exempt. Anyone who knowingly violates this prohibition could face up to five years in prison, a fine, or both. The legislation would amend federal firearms law to create this new criminal offense and was introduced in the Senate in May 2026, named after Aaron Salter Jr.

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