STATE LEGISLATION
After successfully fighting to protect suppressor ownership in Virginia from 2019 to 2021 and again in 2023, we understand that similar initiatives could take hold in other vulnerable states. In response, holding the line at the state level is a top priority for the American Suppressor Association.
We have also set an aggressive agenda, called the No State Left Behind campaign, to pursue legislation in every state that does not currently allow for suppressor ownership or their use while hunting. We believe that every law-abiding citizen in America should be able to use suppressors to help protect their hearing, and will not stop until we have reached our goal.
Serving as subject matter experts, our primary state-level initiatives are as follows:
- Defend against state-level attempts to ban suppressors
- Private ownership (eight states currently banned)
- Use of suppressors for hunting (nine states currently banned)
- Litigation to challenge the constitutionality of state-level bans on suppressor ownership
Bill Tracking
Arizona
S.B. 1109 — Removes suppressor from list of prohibited weapons
Sen. Wendy Rogers (R-7)
ASA Position: SUPPORT
Current Status: Passed Both Chambers. Vetoed by Governor
Although suppressors registered in the NFA are excepted from current AZ law, this will clean up language by removing them altogether from AZ law. NFA registration still applies.
Colorado
HB23-1230 — Prohibit Assault Weapons In Colorado
Sen. Rhonda Fields (D-28)
Rep. Elisabeth Epps (D-6)
ASA Position: OPPOSE
Current Status: Judiciary Committee voted 8-5 to postpone indefinitely
Bans most semi-automatic firearms with a threaded barrel that could accept a suppressor.
New Mexico
S.B. 171 — Prohibits possession of suppressors
Sen. William P. Soules (D-37)
ASA Position: OPPOSE
Current Status: Suppressor ban language removed. Passed Public Health Committee 5-3, died in Judiciary Committee.
Rhode Island
S. 383 – Legalizes suppressors on long guns
Senators Rogers, de la Cruz, DeLuca, and Paolino
ASA Position: SUPPORT
Current Status: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Rhode Island
S. 348 - Legalizes suppressors for hunting
Senators Rogers, de la Cruz, DeLuca, and Paolino
ASA Position: SUPPORT
Current Status: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Rhode Island
S. 394 - Legalizes ownership in compliance with the NFA
Senators Rogers, de la Cruz, DeLuca, and Paolino
ASA Position: SUPPORT
Current Status: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Virginia
H.B. 2240 – Bans the sale of suppressors
Del. Dan Helmer (D-40)
ASA Position: OPPOSE
Current Status: Pass (tabled) indefinitely by committee vote 6-4
Washington
S.H.B. 1240 – Assault Weapons Ban
By request of WA Attorney General
ASA Position: OPPOSE
Current Status: Passed. Signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee (D)
Defines a semi-automatic rifle or pistol with detachable magazine and suppressor installed as an “Assault Weapon”. Creates constructive possession issue for suppressor owners that own other firearms.
