Yesterday, House File 2279, a bill introduced by Rep. Matt Windschitl (R-17) that would make Iowa the 42nd state to legalize suppressors, passed out of the Iowa House of Representatives by a 74 – 24 margin. The legislation, formerly HF 2043, is backed by the American Suppressor Association, the Iowa Firearms Coalition (IFC), and the National Rifle Association. The ASA was on hand to support the bill, as part of the Iowa Firearms Coalition’s Second Amendment Day, which saw a total of five pro-gun bills pass the House.

During the floor debate, Rep. Terry Baxter (R-08) managed the bill, delivering a floor speech that effectively silenced the opposition. Following the overwhelmingly bipartisan vote, HF 2279 was messaged to the Senate, where it currently awaits a subcommittee assignment in the Senate Judiciary Committee. We anticipate that this will occur within the next several weeks.

Iowa House Floor Vote - 2016

“For the third year in a row, the Iowa House of Representatives has done its part to help sportsmen and women in The Hawkeye State protect their hearing while in the field and at the range,” said Knox Williams, President and Executive Director of the American Suppressor Association. “Suppressors are the hearing protection of the 21st century sportsman, and thanks to the hard work of Representatives Baxter and Windschitl, an overwhelming and bipartisan majority of the House saw that. We have greatly enjoyed working with the two of them, as well as the IFC and NRA to get this legislation passed. Now, it’s time for the Senate to do its part to help make sure that the next generation of hunters and recreational shooters in Iowa do not have to unnecessarily sacrifice their hearing.”

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 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.

In the meantime, please reach out to your Iowa legislators, particularly your Senators, and respectfully urge them to support this important piece of legislation. Contact information can be found here.

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