DHS Better Ballistic Body Armor Act

S. 693 would require the Department of Homeland Security to procure and issue improved ballistic body armor to its law enforcement agents and officers. The bill addresses a safety gap identified by FBI testing in 2022, which found that standard body armor commonly used by DHS officers can allow bullets to ricochet off the chest area and strike the throat—a potentially fatal vulnerability, particularly for female officers and some male officers whose body shapes differ from the standard armor design.

Under the bill, DHS agencies would be required to provide body armor that is specifically designed to fit different body shapes, with enhanced technology to prevent bullet deflection. The armor must undergo ballistic testing using female and male body molds to ensure proper protection for all wearers. DHS would have three years from enactment to equip all agents and officers whose duties require body armor with compliant gear. The bill also requires annual reporting on the number of female officers issued compliant armor and any units discontinued due to noncompliance.