East Idaho Times

U.S. Senator Mike Crapo, representing Idaho, has reintroduced the Hearing Protection Act (HPA), a legislative proposal aimed at changing how suppressors are regulated in the United States. Joined by 28 other senators, Crapo seeks to have suppressors treated like regular firearms, thereby removing them from the constraints of the National Firearms Act (NFA).

Crapo commented on the motivation behind this initiative: “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.”

The current process for acquiring suppressors involves stringent regulations under the NFA. The HPA proposes replacing these with an immediate background check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). This change would align suppressor transactions with those of rifles or shotguns. Additionally, funding for state wildlife conservation agencies would be redirected through taxes on suppressors under the Pittman-Robertson Act.

Several senators have voiced support for this legislation. Senator Lee emphasized, “Silencers and suppressors are non-lethal firearm accessories used by law-abiding gun owners across America, and excessive federal regulation is a backdoor attack on the Second Amendment.” Similarly, Senator Fischer noted, “Law-abiding Americans across the country use suppressors to protect their hearing during outdoor recreation activities.”

The act also has backing from various organizations such as the Academy of Doctors of Audiology and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). Amyn Amlani, Ph.D., President of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology stated, “The Hearing Protection Act will increase access to important hearing protection for millions of Americans.” Lawrence G. Keane from NSSF highlighted that "firearm noise suppressors can be an effective supplement to traditional hearing protection."

The proposed legislation argues for reducing regulatory control over firearm accessories that do not affect firearm function. Knox Williams from the American Suppressor Association expressed gratitude towards Crapo’s efforts: “We are grateful to Senator Crapo for standing behind the millions of law-abiding gun owners with his reintroduction of the Hearing Protection Act.”

Supporters believe this bill will enhance safety by making it easier for responsible gun owners to access tools that prevent hearing damage while exercising their constitutional rights.