Hearing Protection Act

Hearing Protection Act

This bill removes silencers from the definition of firearms for purposes of the National Firearms Act. It also treats persons acquiring or possessing a firearm silencer as meeting any registration and licensing requirements of such Act.

The Department of Justice must destroy certain records relating to the registration, transfer, or making of a silencer.

The bill also revises the definitions of firearm silencer and firearm muffler under the federal criminal code and includes such items in the 10% excise tax category.

The Hearing Protection Act, also known as Bill 118 s 401, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to make it easier for individuals to purchase and own firearm suppressors, also known as silencers.

If passed, the Hearing Protection Act would remove suppressors from the list of items regulated under the National Firearms Act. This means that individuals would no longer be required to pay a $200 tax stamp and undergo a lengthy background check in order to purchase a suppressor. Instead, suppressors would be treated like any other firearm accessory and could be purchased over the counter at licensed gun stores.

Proponents of the bill argue that suppressors help protect the hearing of gun owners and reduce noise pollution at shooting ranges. They also point out that many other countries, such as the United Kingdom and Finland, do not regulate suppressors in the same way as the US does. Opponents of the bill, however, argue that making suppressors more readily available could make it easier for criminals to use firearms without being detected. They also raise concerns about the potential impact on law enforcement officers who may encounter armed individuals using suppressors. Overall, the Hearing Protection Act is a controversial piece of legislation that has sparked debate among lawmakers and the public. Supporters believe it is a common-sense measure to protect gun owners' hearing, while opponents raise concerns about public safety and law enforcement.