Lee Introduces the SHUSH Act to Simplify Suppressor Rules

WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Silencers Helping Us Save Hearing (SHUSH) Act, a bill to eliminate the excessive regulation of firearm suppressors. The bill seeks to simplify the purchase process for law-abiding citizens and reduce unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles. Senate cosponsors of the SHUSH Act include Sens. Rick Scott (R-FL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and John Cornyn (R-TX). The SHUSH Act has garnered the support of 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.”

“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,” said Hunter King, Director of Political Affairs at National Association for Gun Rights.

“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 the federal regulations of the National Firearms Act, but also treat suppressors as any other firearm accessory – free from the infringing background check process. Senator Lee’s bill will not only benefit hunters and sport shooters, but also take much needed steps for gun owners to restore the rights protected by the Second Amendment,” said Aidan Johnston, Director of Government Affairs, Gun Owners of America.

“Suppressors are nothing more than a muffler for a firearm. They reduce the noise level from that which can cause instant and permanent hearing loss to a safe level,” said Lawrence G. Keane, Senior Vice President and General Counsel for NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association. “That’s the equivalent of reducing the noise from that similar to a jet taking off to that of a motorcycle. These devices are increasingly popular and legal to possess in 42 states and legal for hunting in 41 states. Senator Mike Lee, with the SHUSH Act, demonstrates a strong commitment to Second Amendment rights and leadership in cutting unnecessary government regulations for a firearm safety device.”

Suppressors, commonly known as silencers, are non-lethal firearm accessories widely used by hunters, sportsmen, and marksmen. These devices enhance safety by reducing noise, recoil, and muzzle blast. Contrary to popular belief, they do not completely silence firearms.

Currently, the process to legally acquire a suppressor involves an extensive and burdensome procedure through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), including:

• Completing two copies of ATF Form 4
• Filling out ATF Form 5330.20 Certification of Compliance
• Obtaining certification from a local chief law enforcement officer and two copies of fingerprints
• Submitting two passport photos and a $200 check to the ATF
• This approval process can take 9-12 months, making the purchase of a suppressor prohibitively complex and costly for many consumers.

The SHUSH Act aims to:

• Eliminate federal regulation of suppressors as firearms under the National Firearms Act (NFA) and the Gun Control Act (GCA).
• Remove existing taxes, fees, and registration requirements associated with suppressors.
• Allow current or retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms with suppressors.
• Preempt state regulations on the manufacture, transfer, transport, or possession of suppressors.
• Strike provisions requiring mandatory minimum sentences for suppressor possession in certain cases.
• Exempt suppressors from regulation by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
• Provide a provision for a refund of the $200 transfer tax for anyone who purchased a suppressor within two years prior to the enactment of the bill.

If passed, the SHUSH Act will work alongside the Hearing Protection Act to further deregulate suppressors and remove them from the Gun Control Act of 1968.