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. Through our work with legislators and the White House, we will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to accomplish pro-suppressor reform.
Our top priority for 2020 is to streamline the NFA process and reduce transfer times. We are working to 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:
- Streamline the NFA process and reduce transfer processing times
- Legalize the exportation of suppressors to foreign commercial markets
- Remove suppressors from the NFA by passing the HPA 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 Position: OPPOSE
Current Status: Comment Period Open Through 8/19/2021
ATF Docket 2021R-08 – Factoring Criteria for Firearms With Attached “Stabilizing Braces”
Reclassifies most pistols with attached stabilizing braces as Short Barrel Rifles (SBR).
ASA Position: OPPOSE
Current Status: Comment Period Open Through 9/8/2021
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 Position: SUPPORT
Current Status: Referred to Subcommittee
S. 2050 – Hearing Protection Act
Sen. 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 Committee
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 Position: OPPOSE
Current Status: Referred to Committee
S. 1131 – Help Empower Americans to Respond (HEAR) Act of 2021
Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ)
Bans the civilian possession of suppressors and confiscates suppressors from current registered owners.
ASA Position: 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.
ASA Position: OPPOSE
Current Status: Referred to Committee
H.R. 125 – Gun Safety: Not Sorry Act of 2021
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX-18)
Requires a 7-day waiting period on transfers of semi-automatic firearms, SILENCERS, armor-piercing ammunition, and “large-capacity ammunition magazine”.
ASA Position: OPPOSE
Current Status: Referred to Committee
H.R. 130 – Kimberly Vaughan Firearm Safe Storage Act
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX-18)
Requires “safe storage” of firearms (including silencers) in a safe approved by the Attorney General AND with a trigger lock approved by the Attorney General
