FEDERAL LEGISLATION
Federal Legislation
At the federal level, our goal is simple: ease the archaic restrictions on suppressors. Our work is singularly focused on the creation of a better environment for businesses and consumers alike. The current makeup of Congress will make legislative results difficult to attain. However, every circumstance breeds new opportunities. We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to accomplish pro-suppressor reform.
Our top priority for 2022 is to streamline the NFA process and reduce transfer times. We are working to ensure the stability and efficacy of the new eForms system, as well as mandate that ATF process NFA applications in a predetermined time period. We are also working to fix ATF’s burdensome regulation of suppressor parts and components. Ultimately, our long-term goal is the removal of suppressors from the NFA through the passage of the Hearing Protection Act (HPA).
Our primary federal initiatives are as follows:
- Ensure the stability and efficacy of the new eForms system
- Streamline the NFA process and reduce transfer processing times
- Lobby the Department of Defense and NATO to issue system-wide suppressor solicitations
- Remove suppressors from the NFA by passing the Hearing Protection Act or similar legislation
ATF Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)
ATF Docket 2021R-05 – Definition of “Frame or Receiver” and Identification of Firearms
Changes definitions of firearm frames & receivers to include many 80% receivers and/or homebuilt firearms. Creates new definition of silencer frame or receiver.
ASA Status: OPPOSE
Current Status: Final rule implemented April 2022
ATF Docket 2021R-08 – Factoring Criteria for Firearms With Attached “Stabilizing Braces”
Reclassifies most pistols with attached stabilizing braces as Short Barrel Rifles (SBR).
Current Status: OPPOSE
Current Status: Final rule to be implemented August 2022
Bill Tracking
House Bills
Senate Bills
H.R. 95 – Hearing Protection Act
Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-SC-3)
Remove suppressors from the provisions of the NFA and transfer the same way as long guns.
ASA Status: SUPPORT
Current Status: Referred to Subcommittee
S. 2050 – Hearing Protection Act
Rep. Mike Crapo (R-ID)
Remove suppressors from the provisions of the NFA and transfer the same way as long guns.
Current Status: SUPPORT
Current Status: Referred to Committee
H.R. 3101 — RIFLE Act
Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA-1)
Would eliminate the $200 transfer tax on NFA items.
ASA Status: SUPPORT
Current Status: Referred to Subcommittee
H.R. 2544 – Help Empower Americans to Respond (HEAR) Act of 2021
Rep. Bonnie Watson-Coleman (D-NJ-12)
Bans the civilian possession of suppressors and confiscates suppressors from current registered owners.
ASA Status: OPPOSE
Current Status: Referred to Committee
S. 1131 – Help Empower Americans to Respond (HEAR) Act of 2021
Rep. Bob Menendez (D-NJ)
Bans the civilian possession of suppressors and confiscates suppressors from current registered owners.
Current Status: OPPOSE
Current Status: Referred to Committee
H.R. 2427 — NFA Modernization Act of 2021
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD-8)
Would increase the NFA transfer tax from $200 to $300 and allow for annual increases pegged to inflation.