DHS Better Ballistic Body Armor Act

Hozzl · 2024-12-04T09:05:57Z

Explore the details of Senate Bill 4305 DHS Better Ballistic Body Armor Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Government Operations and Politics. Stay informed on legislative developments.

12/4/2024, 9:05 AM

Summary of Bill S 4305

Bill 118 s 4305, also known as the DHS Better Ballistic Body Armor Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the United States Congress. The purpose of this bill is to improve the quality and effectiveness of ballistic body armor used by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel.

The bill outlines several key provisions aimed at achieving this goal. Firstly, it requires the DHS to conduct a comprehensive review of the current ballistic body armor used by its personnel. This review will assess the effectiveness of the armor in protecting against various types of threats and determine if any upgrades or improvements are necessary.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the DHS establish minimum performance standards for ballistic body armor. These standards will ensure that all body armor used by DHS personnel meets a certain level of protection and quality. Furthermore, the bill requires the DHS to prioritize the procurement of body armor that meets or exceeds these minimum standards. This will help ensure that DHS personnel are equipped with the best possible protection while carrying out their duties. Overall, the DHS Better Ballistic Body Armor Act aims to enhance the safety and security of DHS personnel by improving the quality and effectiveness of the ballistic body armor they use. By establishing minimum performance standards and prioritizing the procurement of high-quality armor, this bill seeks to better protect those who serve and protect our nation.

Congressional Summary of S 4305

DHS Better Ballistic Body Armor Act

This bill requires ballistic resistant body armor issued to agents and officers of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to meet certain requirements related to fit, coverage, and testing on female body shapes. Ballistic resistant body armor means ballistic protection for the torso worn over or under clothing (e.g., bulletproof vests).

(Testing by the Federal Bureau of Investigation found that certain soft body armor, when worn by women, allowed projectiles to skip off the armor panel in the chest area and project into the unprotected throat area. New body armor models that mitigate this issue are now available and in use by some federal agencies.)

Under the bill, ballistic resistant body armor procured by DHS for its agents and officers must

be made to conform and provide the best possible coverage to individual wearers, allowing for either flat or shaped front panels;
have enhanced and advanced fit technology that stops bullets from redirecting off the chest at an upward angle; and
have passed certain testing by the National Institute of Justice, including testing on female-shaped molds.

Within three years of the bill’s enactment, all DHS agents and officers whose duties require body armor must be issued body armor that meets these requirements.

Read the Full Bill

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Current Status of Bill S 4305

Bill S 4305 is currently in the status of Passed in Senate since December 2, 2024. Bill S 4305 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on May 9, 2024. Bill S 4305's most recent activity was Held at the desk. as of December 3, 2024

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 4305

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

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Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 4305

Primary Policy Focus

Government Operations and Politics

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 4305

DHS Better Ballistic Body Armor Act

A bill to improve the effectiveness of body armor issued to female agents and officers of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes.