Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced a bill on Monday aimed at simplifying the regulations for purchasing firearm suppressors.
Firearm suppressors are currently regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934.
As a result, anyone looking to purchase a suppressor must undergo fingerprinting and photography, pay a $200 tax for a federal stamp, and pass an extensive background check.
Additionally, the suppressor must be registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
A suppressor is not a firearm and does not have a barrel, trigger, hammer, or action. It is simply a muffler that removes the sharp, ear-splitting sound of a bullet being fired.
Senator Lee aims to eliminate the bureaucratic obstacles associated with acquiring a suppressor. His proposed legislation is called the Silencers Helping Us Save Hearing (SHUSH) Act.
A press release accompanying the SHUSH Act’s introduction states:
Suppressors, commonly known as silencers, are non-lethal firearm accessories widely used by hunters, sportsmen, and marksmen. These devices enhance safety by reducing noise, recoil, and muzzle blast. Contrary to popular belief, they do not completely silence firearms.
The Boone and Crockett Club notes:
As of January 2024, it is legal to own a suppressor in 42 states, and 41 states allow their use for hunting. According to Silencer Central, owning a suppressor is illegal in California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island.
The widespread legality of owning and hunting with suppressors at the state level is a key factor motivating Senator Lee’s push to remove bureaucratic barriers in the purchase process.
The SHUSH Act is supported by the National Association for Gun Rights, Gun Owners of America, the National Rifle Association, and the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
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