FEDERAL LEGISLATION
Federal Legislation
At the federal level, our goal is simple: ease the archaic restrictions on suppressors. Our work is singularly focused on creating 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.
In this difficult legislative environment, our top priority is to streamline the NFA process and reduce transfer times. We are working to ensure the stability and efficacy of the 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 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
Bill Tracking
House Bills
Senate Bills
H.R. 152 – 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 Position: SUPPORT
Current Status: Referred to Ways & Means and Judiciary Committees
S. 401 – Hearing Protection Act
Rep. Mike Crapo (R-ID)
Remove suppressors from the provisions of the NFA and transfer the same way as long guns.
ASA Position: SUPPORT
Current Status: Referred to Finance Committee
H.R. 2985 — Help Empower Americans to Respond (HEAR) Act
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12)
Bans the importation, sale, manufacturing, transfer, and possession of suppressors.
ASA Position: OPPOSE
Current Status: Referred to Judiciary Committee
S. 1383 — Help Empower Americans to Respond (HEAR) Act
Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ)
Bans the importation, sale, manufacturing, transfer, and possession of suppressors.
ASA Position: OPPOSE
Current Status: Referred to Judiciary Committee
H.R. 173 — HDCSA Act
Rep. H. Morgan Griffith (R-VA-9)
Removes short-barreled rifles (SBR’s) from the NFA.
ASA Position: SUPPORT
Current Status: Referred to Ways & Means and Judiciary Committees
S.632 —ATF Transparency Act
Sen. James Risch (R-ID)
Require ATF to establish an appeal process for denied ATF applications.
ASA Position: SUPPORT
Current Status: Introduced
S.25 —Assault Weapons Ban of 2023
Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)
Bans many common-use firearms that have a threaded barrel.
ASA Position: OPPOSE
Current Status: Referred to Judiciary Committee
ATF Final Rulemaking
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 Position: 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).