The Bill to Remove Suppressors from the National Firearms Act

Published on August 9, 2022
Duration: 8:43

This guide outlines the key provisions of H.R. 95, the Hearing Protection Act, as explained by William Kirk of Washington Gun Law. The bill aims to remove suppressors from the National Firearms Act (NFA), simplifying their acquisition by removing the $200 tax stamp and lengthy ATF approval process, replacing it with a standard Form 4473 and NICS check. It also addresses preemption of state laws and the destruction of federal records.

Quick Summary

The Hearing Protection Act (H.R. 95) is a legislative proposal to remove firearm suppressors from the National Firearms Act (NFA). If enacted, it would eliminate the $200 tax stamp and lengthy ATF approval process, replacing it with a standard Form 4473 and NICS background check, and preempt overly restrictive state laws.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Legislation Context
  2. 00:58Overview of H.R. 95
  3. 01:44NFA History and Current Requirements
  4. 02:58Hearing Protection Act Provisions
  5. 04:07Simplifying Suppressor Acquisition
  6. 05:14Preemption of State Laws
  7. 06:40Destruction of ATF Records
  8. 07:47Conclusion and Contact Info

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hearing Protection Act (H.R. 95)?

The Hearing Protection Act, H.R. 95, is a proposed bill in the U.S. Congress that aims to remove firearm suppressors (silencers) from the regulations of the National Firearms Act (NFA). This would simplify the process of acquiring suppressors.

How would H.R. 95 change suppressor acquisition?

If passed, H.R. 95 would eliminate the current requirement for a $200 tax stamp and lengthy ATF approval process for suppressors. Instead, acquiring a suppressor would only necessitate a standard Form 4473 and a NICS background check, similar to other firearms.

What is the current process for buying a suppressor?

Currently, purchasing a suppressor involves navigating the National Firearms Act (NFA). This requires submitting specific ATF forms (Form 1 or Form 4), paying a $200 tax stamp, and undergoing a lengthy approval process which can take many months. Failure to comply is a federal felony.

Does H.R. 95 affect state laws on suppressors?

Yes, Section 4 of H.R. 95 aims to preempt state laws that impose taxes, registration, or record-keeping requirements on suppressors that are more restrictive than the proposed federal standards. This seeks to create a more uniform national approach.

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