SLC Times

Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Silencers Helping Us Save Hearing (SHUSH) Act today, aiming to reduce the regulation of firearm suppressors. The bill seeks to simplify the purchase process for law-abiding citizens and eliminate bureaucratic obstacles. Senate cosponsors include Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and John Cornyn (R-TX). The SHUSH Act has received support from organizations such as the National Association for Gun Rights, Gun Owners of America, the National Rifle Association, and the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

"Suppressors are safety accessories, and their purchase should not be subject to antiquated federal controls," said Senator Lee. "This bill is about making it easier for responsible gun owners to protect their hearing and safety while enjoying their Second Amendment right."

Hunter King, Director of Political Affairs at the National Association for Gun Rights, stated: "Suppressors are accessories and should be treated just like magazines, scopes, or gun stocks. Treating an accessory the same as a gun sets a bad precedence for anti-gun legislators to further regulate other accessories in the future. There’s no reason they should be subjected to the Brady registration scheme. We’re happy and privileged to be able to work with Sen. Lee on this legislation."

Aidan Johnston, Director of Government Affairs at Gun Owners of America, commented: "Gun Owners of America applauds the introduction of the 'Silencers Helping Us Save Hearing Act' (SHUSH) Act. The SHUSH Act would not only remove suppressors from federal regulations but also treat them as any other firearm accessory – free from infringing background checks. Senator Lee’s bill will benefit hunters and sport shooters while restoring rights protected by the Second Amendment."

Lawrence G. Keane, Senior Vice President and General Counsel for NSSF, remarked: "Suppressors are nothing more than a muffler for a firearm. They reduce noise levels from those that can cause instant hearing loss to safe levels... These devices are increasingly popular and legal in 42 states for possession and 41 states for hunting." He added that Senator Mike Lee's SHUSH Act demonstrates strong commitment to Second Amendment rights by cutting unnecessary government regulations.

Background information indicates that suppressors enhance safety by reducing noise, recoil, and muzzle blast without completely silencing firearms. Currently, acquiring a suppressor involves an extensive procedure through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), including multiple forms, fingerprinting, passport photos submission, local law enforcement certification, and a $200 fee.

The SHUSH Act aims to:

- Eliminate federal regulation of suppressors under existing firearms laws.

- Remove taxes, fees, and registration requirements.

- Allow current or retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms with suppressors.

- Preempt state regulations on suppressor manufacture or possession.

- Strike mandatory minimum sentences related to suppressor possession.

- Exempt suppressors from Consumer Product Safety Commission regulation.

- Provide refunds for recent purchasers who paid transfer taxes.

If enacted alongside the Hearing Protection Act, this legislation would further deregulate suppressors by removing them from restrictions under the Gun Control Act of 1968.