0
A bill to provide that silencers be treated the same as firearms accessories.
2/28/2025, 11:56 AM
Summary of Bill S 345
If passed, this bill would mean that individuals looking to purchase a silencer would not have to go through the same background check and registration process as they would when purchasing a firearm. Instead, silencers would be treated similarly to other firearm accessories, such as scopes or grips.
Supporters of the bill argue that this change would make it easier for law-abiding citizens to purchase and use silencers for hunting and recreational shooting purposes. They also claim that silencers help protect the hearing of shooters by reducing the noise levels of firearms. Opponents of the bill, however, express concerns about the potential implications of making it easier to obtain silencers. They argue that silencers could be used by criminals to commit crimes more discreetly, as the reduced noise levels could make it harder for law enforcement to detect and respond to gunfire. Overall, Bill 119 s 345 is a controversial piece of legislation that has sparked debate among lawmakers and the public. It remains to be seen whether this bill will be passed into law and how it will impact the regulation of silencers in the United States.
Congressional Summary of S 345
Silencers Help Us Save Hearing Act or the SHUSH Act
This bill removes silencers from regulation under federal firearms laws.
Specifically, it removes silencers from the list of firearms subject to regulation (i.e., registration and licensing requirements) under the National Firearms Act (NFA). Additionally, it excludes a muffler or silencer from the list of firearms subject to regulation (e.g., background check requirements) under the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA).
Additionally, the bill does the following:
- preempts state or local laws that tax or regulate firearm silencers,
- specifies that a person who lawfully acquires or possesses a silencer under provisions of the GCA meets the registration and licensing requirements of the NFA,
- eliminates mandatory minimum prison terms for a crime of violence or drug trafficking offense in which a defendant uses or carries a firearm equipped with a silencer or muffler, and
- permits active and retired law enforcement officers to carry a concealed silencer.
Finally, the bill excludes firearm mufflers and silencers from regulation by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. (Current law generally excludes firearms from regulation by the commission.)
Current Status of Bill S 345
Bipartisan Support of Bill S 345
Total Number of Sponsors
1Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
1Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
4Democrat Cosponsors
0Republican Cosponsors
4Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 345
Primary Policy Focus
Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 345
Comments
Yosef Godwin
9 months ago
I don't like this bill at all. It's gonna make it easier for people to get silencers and that's just not safe. I don't want to be out hunting and not be able to hear if someone else is shooting nearby. It's just not right. I think they should leave things the way they are. This bill is gonna cause more harm than good.
Morgan Sherman
9 months ago
I think this bill is pretty interesting. I mean, treating silencers the same as firearms accessories sounds like it could make things easier for gun owners. I wonder how this will play out in the long run.
Keaton Bowden
9 months ago
I think this bill is a good idea. It will make things easier for gun owners like me. It's important to treat silencers the same as other gun accessories. This bill will have a positive impact in the long run.
