DHS Better Ballistic Body Armor Act

The DHS Better Ballistic Body Armor Act requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to procure body armor that fits agents' and officers' body shapes - including specifically designed options for female officers - to improve protection. It mandates that armor meet National Institute of Justice (NIJ) standards, including testing on female-shaped models, angled shots, and nonplanar panel contact to prevent bullets from redirecting toward the throat or spine. DHS components must issue compliant armor to all agents within three years and submit annual reports tracking compliance rates for female officers by duty station, with aggregated data shared with Congress. This policy change directly affects all DHS agents and officers requiring body armor, focusing on concrete safety improvements through standardized fit and testing.