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Version 35 · Passed Senate amended · Oct 25, 2000
James Guelff Body Armor Act of 2000 - Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to amend the Federal sentencing guidelines to provide an appropriate enhancement, increasing the level not less than two levels, for any offense in which the defendant used body armor, with an exception involving a civil rights violation by a law enforcement officer acting under color of authority.(Sec. 5) Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to prohibit the purchase, ownership, or possession of body armor by violent felons.Makes it an affirmative defense that: (1) the defendant obtained prior written certification from his or her employer that the defendant's purchase, use, or possession of body armor was necessary for the safe performance of lawful business activity; and (2) the use and possession by the defendant were limited to the course of such performance. Defines "employer" to mean any other individual employed by the defendant's business that supervises the defendant's activity (but if that defendant has no supervisor, prior written certification is acceptable from any other employee of the business).Sets penalties for violations of this prohibition.(Sec. 6) Authorizes the head of a Federal agency to donate body armor that is surplus property and in serviceable condition directly to any State or local law enforcement agency. Allows specified officials in the Treasury and Justice Departments to act as the head of a Federal agency.Specifies that the United States shall not be liable for any harm occurring in connection with the use or misuse of any body armor donated under this section.
People & committees
Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA] · D–CA
Legislative record
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Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Received in the House.
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S11013-11014; text as passed Senate: CR S11014)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S11013-11014; text as passed Senate: CR S11014)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 733.
Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Hatch with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Hatch with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Committee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S3645-3646)
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3644-3645)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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