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Hearing Protection Act

12/15/2023, 4:05 PM

Summary of Bill S 401

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.

Congressional Summary of S 401

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 S 401

Bill S 401 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 14, 2023. Bill S 401 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on February 14, 2023.  Bill S 401's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. as of February 14, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 401

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
0
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 401

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 S 401

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

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