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).

ASA Position: OPPOSE

Current Status: Final rule published in Federal Register 1/31/2023