Suppressors have been heavily regulated for years in the United States, while in some countries with stricter gun laws they are required. Senator Mike Lee is introducing a bill that will ease regulations on suppressors.
Utah Senator Mike Lee introduced the Silencers Helping Us Save Hearing Act, the legislation will loosen frivolous regulations on silencers. Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn are co-sponsoring the bill and Representative Bob Good is introducing similar legislation in the House.
From Desert News:
People who want to buy a silencer must provide their fingerprints and photographs to petition the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and Explosives, receive law enforcement certification, pay a $200 tax and fill out an application. Most have to wait months for their paperwork to be processed.
The bill would eliminate the federal regulation of silencers under the National Firearms Act and the Gun Control Act, removing taxes, fees and registration requirements. It would also remove restrictions on the right to own, transport, transfer and use a silencer.
Silencers are considered weapons under the national firearms law. They are subject to certain regulations, including a ban on interstate transfers between unlicensed people, a ban on interstate sales entirely, and a federal registry.
Gun Owners of America, the National Rifle Association and the National Association for Gun Rights support the legislation.
Senator Mike Lee previously introduced similar legislation in 2017 and 2019, both of which failed to pass. Those who support this legislation are framing it as a health issue, as silencers will reduce the damage done to the ears when firing guns at a range or when hunting.
