While most states abide strictly by the federal law regarding body armor, there are a few that add their own bit of flair to it. However, the purchase and use of body armor, by civilians in general, is legal. Again, if you're convicted of a violent felony, it's illegal unless you fall into the exception.
Yes, some states do impose additional laws to go with the federal regulations on body armor. While the federal government says convicted felons can't purchase body armor, some states say those with certain misdemeanor classes can't possess body armor either.
In Maryland, if you've ever been convicted of a violent crime or drug trafficking, you have to apply for a permit that lets you purchase or possess body armor. And if you get approved, you'll have to get it renewed every five years.
The state of New Jersey is very specific with its definition of unlawful use of body armor. If you commit or attempt to commit murder, manslaughter, robbery, sexual assault, burglary, kidnapping, criminal escape, or assault and leave or try to leave the scene while wearing or using ballistic protection, you are committing a crime. They go so far as to say that committing a first-degree crime with a vest on is committing a second degree-crime. If it's not classified as a first-degree crime, then you're committing a third-degree crime.
Wearing Body Armor
Most states allow anyone to wear body armor anywhere, with federal laws in mind. However, some states don't allow the wear of body armor in schools, unless you're performing a job that requires it.
Louisiana is one of these states. According to R.S. 14:95.9, "Wearing or possessing body armor, by a student or nonstudent on school property, at a school-sponsored function, or in a firearm-free zone is unlawful and shall be defined as wearing or possessing of body armor, on one's person, at any time while on a school campus, on school transportation, or at any school-sponsored function in a specific designated area including but not limited to athletic competitions, dances, parties, or any extracurricular activities, or within one thousand feet of any school campus."
However, students can have and wear backpacks made with bullet-resistant metal or other materials to protect them from weapons or bodily injury. The student can also get written permission from the principal if they need to wear a bullet-proof vest.
