California Today

Bill to Ban Civilian Enhanced Body Armor Introduced

17 May 2026 17:08

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and House members introduced the Aaron Salter, Jr.

Responsible Body Armor Possession Act to ban civilian possession of enhanced body armor. - The bill is named after a retired police officer killed in the 2022 Buffalo Tops shooting.

- Enhanced body armor is defined as Level III or higher, capable of stopping rifle ammunition. - Law enforcement and military personnel are exempt from the ban.

- The legislation is endorsed by major gun safety groups. The bill aims to prevent tragedies like the Buffalo shooting, where the shooter's armor rendered security ineffective.

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Kennedypoliticscrimelegislationgun safetySan Joaquin CountyBreaking