Contact Congress about H.R. 3398: Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act

Most civilians would no longer be allowed to buy or have body armor rated to stop rifle rounds. Government agencies, covered law enforcement officers, and current legal owners would still have exceptions. Knowing violations could bring up to five years in prison.

Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act is a House bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Latest action on H.R. 3398: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects civilians who want rifle-rated body armor for personal safety, work, or training. It also affects companies that make or sell that gear, because their civilian market could shrink. Law enforcement agencies, corrections officers, and other government buyers would keep access. People who already legally own covered armor could keep it, but the bill leaves some questions about future repair or replacement.

Why this matters: This bill matters because it would sharply limit who can legally have rifle-rated body armor in the United States. For civilians, that could mean losing access to gear some people want for safety or work. For police and other first responders, supporters believe it could reduce the danger in some attacks. The bill clearly changes who may possess this armor, but it does not prove how much it would change crime or public safety in real life.

Key provisions in H.R. 3398

• The bill creates a new federal crime for most people who buy, own, or have enhanced body armor. It adds that rule as Section 935 in Chapter 44 of Title 18 of the U.S. Code.
• It defines enhanced body armor by a federal test standard. The armor is covered if it meets or exceeds the National Institute of Justice's RF1 level when the person buys, owns, or possesses it.
• Government agencies could still buy and possess this armor. That exception covers the federal government, state and local governments, and tribal governments or tribal law enforcement agencies.
• Covered law enforcement officers could still have this armor. That uses existing federal definitions for qualified active and retired officers, and it also names corrections officers directly.
• People who already legally own this armor could keep it after the law starts. This grandfather rule protects continued possession of armor they lawfully had before the effective date.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 3398

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 3398

What is H.R. 3398?

Most civilians would no longer be allowed to buy or have body armor rated to stop rifle rounds. Government agencies, covered law enforcement officers, and current legal owners would still have exceptions. Knowing violations could bring up to five years in prison.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 3398?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 3398?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain H.R. 3398 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.