If passed, this bill would significantly affect existing laws surrounding firearm accessories, allowing for greater accessibility and reducing the bureaucratic barriers associated with acquiring silencers. Specifically, the bill aims to eliminate the federal regulation burdens tied to silencers, effectively treating them like any other accessory rather than a regulated item under the National Firearms Act. This legislative change could lead to increased ownership and usage of firearm silencers, which proponents argue will not only aid in the protection of users' hearing but could also improve shooting practices by minimizing noise pollution.
Summary
House Bill 8306, also known as the 'Silencers Help Us Save Hearing Act' or the 'SHUSH Act', proposes to equate the regulation of firearm silencers with that of firearm accessories. The core intention of the bill is to facilitate hearing protection for individuals who use firearms, addressing health concerns related to loud gunfire and the potential for hearing loss. The bill seeks to amend the Internal Revenue Code, particularly by redefining the treatment of silencers within the context of firearm regulations, implying that they will no longer be subjected to stringent federal regulations that typically apply to firearms themselves.
Contention
However, the SHUSH Act has sparked debate among lawmakers and the public. Proponents, including various firearm advocacy groups, support the measure by emphasizing its benefits for hearing protection and practical shooting safety. Opponents, on the other hand, raise concerns regarding the potential implications for public safety and the ease of access to silencers, which could facilitate more covert firearm usage in nefarious contexts. The possibility of state laws being preempted concerning the regulation of silencers introduces further contention, as it raises questions about local governance and the right to impose stricter regulations based on community standards.
Discussion
As discussions around HB8306 continue, lawmakers from different parties are expected to weigh the balancing act between individual rights to bear arms and community safety, alongside health considerations related to noise exposure from firearms. This ongoing dialogue is central to the bill's progress through legislative committees and may influence its potential amendments and final provisions.
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.