HEAR Act of 2023 Help Empower Americans to Respond Act of 2023
Impact
The proposed changes will amend Title 18 of the United States Code, which governs crimes and criminal procedure, by establishing new penalties for violations related to silencers and mufflers. The ramifications of this bill may lead to stricter enforcement of firearm laws, potentially impacting both individuals and businesses involved in the sale of firearm accessories. The bill is expected to take effect 90 days after its enactment, providing time for compliance and alignment with the new legal framework.
Summary
SB1383, also known as the HEAR Act of 2023, aims to regulate the importation, sale, manufacturing, transfer, and possession of firearm silencers and mufflers. The bill sets forth that it will be unlawful for an individual to engage in these activities unless specific exceptions apply, primarily for law enforcement and governmental agencies. The intent of this legislation is to enhance public safety by tightening the regulations surrounding firearm accessories that can reduce the sound of gunfire, which is argued to pose a risk to community safety by potentially hiding criminal activity.
Contention
Key points of contention surrounding SB1383 revolve around the balance between public safety and the rights of individuals to bear arms. Proponents argue that regulating silencers will decrease gun violence and enhance law enforcement's effectiveness. Conversely, opponents highlight concerns over the infringement of the Second Amendment rights, arguing that such regulations could hinder lawful gun ownership and self-defense. The introduction of a buy-back program also raises questions about government spending and the willingness of individuals to surrender their firearms under the new law.
Hearing Protection Act This bill removes silencers from the definition of firearms for purposes of the National Firearms Act. It also treats persons acquiring or possessing a firearm silencer as meeting any registration and licensing requirements of such Act. The Department of Justice must destroy certain records relating to the registration, transfer, or making of a silencer. The bill also revises the definitions of firearm silencer and firearm muffler under the federal criminal code and includes such items in the 10% excise tax category.