ILLINOIS: SUPPRESSOR BILL NEEDS YOUR HELP

For several years, the American Suppressor Association has worked alongside the National Rifle Association and members of the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses on legislation to legalize the ownership and use of suppressors in the state of Illinois. Although the legislation was unable to pass in 2016, it has been reintroduced by state Senator William Haine as Senate Bill 50

S.B. 50, which seeks to legalize suppressor ownership and use while hunting in Illinois, has been scheduled for a committee hearing on Wendesday, January 25th at 9:00 AM. If passed, it will bring Illinois in line with the 42 states that currently allow civilians to own suppressors, and the 40 states that allow hunters to use them in the field. 

If you live in Illinois, it is important that you contact your state Senator and politely urge them to support SB 50. You can contact your state Senator by clicking the NRA-ILA’s link below:

 

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Also, please follow these steps to fill out a witness slip in support of S.B. 50:

  1. Go to the ILGA Dashboard at my.ilga.gov
  2. On the left, click “Senate” > “Committee Hearings”
  3. Under “Scheduled Senate Committee Hearings” click “Week”
  4. On the right, click the “View Hearing Details” tab for Criminal Law
  5. On the right, click the “Create Witness Slip” tab for S.B. 50
  6. Fill out the information. In Section III, check “Proponent”, and in Section IV, check “Record of Appearance Only”

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There are many benefits to using a suppressor, including:

  1. HEARING PROTECTION: Noise induced hearing loss and tinnitus are two of the most common afflictions for recreational shooters and hunters. Everyone knows that gunfire is loud, but very few people understand the repercussions that shooting can have on their hearing until it’s too late. Suppressors reduce the noise of a gunshot by an average of 20 – 35 dB, which is roughly the same as earplugs or earmuffs. By decreasing the overall sound signature, suppressors help to preserve the hearing of recreational shooters, hunters, and hunting dogs around the world.
  2. SAFER HUNTING: Most hunters do not wear hearing protection in the field because they want to hear their surroundings. The trouble is, exposure to even a single unsuppressed gunshot can, and often does, lead to permanent hearing damage. Suppressors allow hunters to maintain full situational awareness, while still protecting their hearing. The result is a safer hunting experience for the hunter, and for those nearby.
  3. NOISE COMPLAINTS: As urban developments advance into rural areas, shooting ranges and hunting preserves across the country are being closed due to noise complaints. Although it can still be heard, suppressed gunfire helps mitigate noise complaints from those who live near shooting ranges and hunting land.
  4. ACCURACY:  Suppressors reduce recoil, and help decrease muzzle flinch. These benefits lead to improved accuracy, better shot placement, and more humane hunts.

The American Suppressor Association is grateful for the support of our members. Rest assured, the ASA will maintain focus on our No State Left Behind campaign until suppressors are fully legal in all 50 states.

No State Left Behind