H.R. 8388 — Introduced in House

I 118th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 8388 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 14, 2024Ms. Meng (for herself, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Morelle, Ms. Velázquez, Mr. Johnson of Georgia, and Ms. Norton) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary A BILL To prohibit the purchase, ownership, or possession of enhanced body armor by civilians, with exceptions. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act. 2. Ban on purchase, ownership, or possession of enhanced body armor by civilians; exceptions (a) Ban (1) In general Chapter 44 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 935. Ban on purchase, ownership, or possession of enhanced body armor by civilians (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), it shall be unlawful for a person to purchase, own, or possess enhanced body armor. (b) Subsection (a) shall not apply to— (1) a purchase, ownership, or possession by or under the authority of— (A) the United States or any department or agency of the United States; or (B) a State, or a department, agency, or political subdivision of a State; (2) a covered law enforcement officer; or (3) enhanced body armor that was lawfully possessed by any person at any time before the date this section takes effect. (c) In this section, the term covered law enforcement officer— (1) has the meaning given the term qualified law enforcement officer in section 926B and the term qualified retired law enforcement officer in section 926C; and (2) includes corrections officers. . (2) Clerical amendment The table of sections for chapter 44 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 935. Ban on purchase, ownership, or possession of enhanced body armor by civilians. . (b) Enhanced body armor defined Section 921(a) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (38) The term enhanced body armor means body armor, including a helmet or shield, the ballistic resistance of which meets or exceeds the ballistic performance of Type III armor, determined using such standard as the National Institute of Justice has in effect at the time at which a person purchases, owns, or possesses such armor. . (c) Penalties Section 924(a) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (9) Whoever knowingly violates section 935 shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both. .