GOP senators aim to streamline regulations for firearm silencers

Gun silencers would be removed from the federal definition of a firearm making them easier to buy and transfer under legislation introduced on March 14 by more than a dozen Republican members of the U.S. Senate.

“The bill we are introducing today would improve access to suppressors for recreationists by addressing regulatory burdens that make this equipment difficult to obtain,” said U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) on March 20.

The Hearing Protection Act, S. 817, would put the purchase and transfer for so-called suppressors on par with those of a rifle or shotgun, according to the bill’s cosponsors, who in addition to Sen. Fischer included U.S. Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Jerry Moran (R-KS), and Joni Ernst (R-IA).

“Anyone who thinks suppressors are movie ‘silencers’ clearly has never shot with one. This legislation is for sportsmen and recreational shooters, not John Wick,” said Sen. Cassidy, referring to the fictional hitman portrayed by actor Keanu Reeves in the blockbuster movie series.

Sen. Rounds pointed out that the “common-sense legislation” would better protect a person’s hearing.

“Suppressors have nothing to do with whether guns are ‘silent’ or ‘dangerous’ – they are simply a tool to help protect the hearing of sportsmen,” said Sen. Rounds.

If enacted, S. 817 would stipulate that any person acquiring or possessing a firearm silencer shall be treated as meeting any registration and licensing requirements listed in the National Firearms Act (NFA) after undergoing an instant background check via the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

S. 817 would not change any state laws that now prevent suppressors, the lawmakers said.

“This firearms safety legislation will enable gun owners to have better access to hearing protection accessories and improve safety for the shooting sports,” said Lawrence Keane, senior vice president and general counsel for the National Shooting Sports Foundation. “These accessories have been unfortunately stigmatized and wrapped up by duplicitous background checks, extensive wait times and burdensome paperwork that doesn’t contribute to public safety.”

Thus far, S. 817 has garnered support from the National Rifle Association, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the American Suppressor Association, the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucus, and Gun Owners of America.

The bill has been referred to the U.S. Senate Finance Committee for consideration.