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Hearing Protection Act

12/21/2024, 9:05 AM

Summary of Bill HR 152

Bill 118 hr 152, also known as the Hearing Protection Act, 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.

The bill proposes to remove suppressors from the list of items regulated by the National Firearms Act, which currently requires individuals to undergo a background check, pay a $200 tax, and register the suppressor with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) before purchasing one. If the Hearing Protection Act is passed, individuals would no longer be required to go through these steps in order to purchase a suppressor.

Supporters of the bill argue that suppressors help protect individuals' hearing by reducing the noise produced by firearms. They also argue that the current regulations on suppressors are burdensome and unnecessary. Opponents of the bill, however, argue that making it easier to purchase suppressors could potentially make it easier for individuals to commit crimes with firearms without being detected. Overall, the Hearing Protection Act is a controversial piece of legislation that has sparked debate among lawmakers and the public. It remains to be seen whether or not the bill will be passed into law.

Congressional Summary of HR 152

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.

Current Status of Bill HR 152

Bill HR 152 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 9, 2023. Bill HR 152 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on January 9, 2023.  Bill HR 152's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. as of December 17, 2024

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 152

Total Number of Sponsors
2
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
2
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
206
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
206
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 152

Primary Policy Focus

Taxation

Potential Impact Areas

- Federal preemption
- Firearms and explosives
- Government information and archives
- Licensing and registrations
- Sales and excise taxes
- State and local taxation

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 152

Hearing Protection Act
Hearing Protection Act
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to remove silencers from the definition of firearms, and for other purposes.

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