Lafayette Reporter

Senators John Kennedy and Mike Crapo have reintroduced the Hearing Protection Act (HPA) to address regulatory challenges faced by gun owners seeking access to suppressors. The legislation aims to reclassify suppressors, aligning their regulation with that of traditional firearms.

"Big government shouldn’t stand in the way of protecting lawful gun owners’ hearing. I’m proud to help introduce this bill to make it easier for Louisianians and all Americans to practice their Second Amendment rights safely," stated Senator Kennedy.

Senator Crapo emphasized the need for the bill, saying, "Federal red tape continues to follow the false Hollywood narrative that suppressors are silent, and ignores the reality that they serve a genuine purpose in protecting the hearing of law-abiding American citizens exercising their Second Amendment rights. It is past time Congress removes the burdensome barriers to accessing this equipment for the safety of Idaho’s hunters and sportsmen."

Currently, suppressors are regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA), which imposes additional regulatory requirements. The HPA proposes removing these from NFA regulation and instead using an instantaneous background check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System for purchases and transfers, similar to those required for rifles or shotguns.

Additionally, by taxing suppressors under the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act rather than the NFA, the bill aims to generate funding for state wildlife conservation agencies.

The proposed legislation does not affect state laws that restrict suppressor use nor does it eliminate existing background check requirements.

The full text of the bill is available online.