ILLINOIS: SUPPRESSOR LEGISLATION STILL ALIVE, NEEDS YOUR HELP

For over two years, the American Suppressor Association has been working alongside the National Rifle Association to legalize suppressors in Illinois. On Sunday, May 29^th, Senate Bill 206 was amended in the House Judiciary Committee to include language to legalize the possession and use of these hearing protection devices in the state. On Tuesday evening, the Illinois House of Representatives voted 69 to 46 to pass SB 206 in an overwhelmingly bipartisan fashion.

Unfortunately, the Senate did not take up the measure for a concurrence vote before adjourning just before midnight. However, because the Illinois General Assembly failed to pass a budget, they will be returning for a summer session, during which SB 206 can be called to the Senate floor for a vote.

If you live in Illinois, it is important that you contact your state Senator, and also call Senate President John Cullerton (D-6) at (217) 782-2728, and politely urge them to call to the floor and pass SB 206 during this summer session.  You can contact your state Senator and Senate President Cullerton by clicking the NRA-ILA’s  “Take Action” link.

We would like to thank all of those who took the time to contact their legislators in support of this important pro-suppressor reform. We would also like to thank Representatives Brandon Phelps (D-118) and Jerry Costello (D-116) for their hard work in passing SB 206 in the House. Without everyone’s hard work, we would not be where we are today. 

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.