Hearing Protection Act
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Overview
The Hearing Protection Act amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat silencers as firearms for tax purposes and to align their regulation with the National Firearms Act. It removes silencers from the definition of firearms, establishes registration and licensing requirements for silencers, and directs the Attorney General to destroy existing silencer registration records. The bill also modifies relevant sections of Title 18, United States Code, to clarify the definition of firearm silencers and streamline the licensing process for manufacturers and importers.
Key provisions
- Silencers are removed from the definition of firearms under the Internal Revenue Code.
- Silencers are subject to the same registration and licensing requirements as firearms under the National Firearms Act.
- The Attorney General is directed to destroy existing silencer registration records.
- Title 18, United States Code, is amended to define firearm silencers and firearm mufflers more precisely.
- A tax is imposed on firearm silencers and firearm mufflers.
- Licensed importers and manufacturers must mark silencers with a serial number.
- States cannot enforce taxes or regulations on silencers that conflict with federal law.
- The effective date for certain tax provisions is delayed by 90 days.
Who is affected
- Gun Owners
- Firearm Manufacturers
- Firearm Importers
- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Bill text
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Sponsors
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131 on record
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