IOWA: SUPPRESSOR OWNERSHIP LEGISLATION PASSES COMMITTEE, FULL VOTE EXPECTED IN HOUSE

Last week, ASA, NRA, and IFC backed House Study Bill 201, a bipartisan omnibus firearms bill that will, among other things, legalize suppressor ownership in Iowa, passed favorably out of the House Judiciary Committee by an overwhelming margin. The bill, which was introduced by Rep. Chip Baltimore (R-47), also includes a “Shall-sign” provision, which would require Chief Law Enforcement Officers (CLEOs) in Iowa to sign suppressor applications within 30 days of receipt, unless the applicant is found to be a prohibited person. After passing out of committee, HSB 201 received a new number, and is now House File 527. A vote on the House floor is expected today. If signed into law, this bill would make Iowa the 40th state to allow private ownership of suppressors. Similar legislation has been introduced in IllinoisMinnesota, and Vermont this session.

A similar bill, Senate Study Bill 1251, passed the Senate Judiciary Committee last week. Introduced by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Steve Sodders (D-36), the bill nearly mirrors its House counterpart. After passing out of committee, SSB 1251 received a new number, and is now Senate File 425. However, it is critical that the Senate bill be amended to conform to the language found in HF 527.

The American Suppressor Association is working hard to ensure that this bill becomes law, and we are very excited about the prospect of bringing suppressor ownership to the 3 million Iowans who are currently prohibited from owning suppressors. 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 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.

As always, the American Suppressor Association will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that your suppressor rights are protected and expanded. We will keep you updated as this pro-suppressor legislation advances.

Using the link, please call and email members of the Senate and urge them to conform SF 425 to the language in HF 527.