Hearing Protection Act

This bill changes how firearm silencers (also called mufflers) are treated under federal law. It removes silencers from the special National Firearms Act rules and treats them like other firearms under the usual federal rules, so someone who gets a silencer following those rules would not need a special NFA registration. It also requires the Attorney General to destroy existing federal silencer registration records and related forms within one year of the law taking effect.

The bill adds a new 10% federal excise tax on silencers, paid by makers or importers when they sell them into the market. These tax changes begin with a calendar quarter that starts more than 90 days after the bill becomes law. States would not be allowed to add special silencer-only taxes (other than normal sales or use tax) or require special marking, recordkeeping, or registration for silencers in interstate commerce. Silencers must have a serial number on the main tube or part, and federal law updates the definition of “silencer” and makes clear that dealer sale rules for guns also cover silencers .

Key points

• Who is affected: People who buy or own silencers, gun dealers, manufacturers/importers, and state and local governments .
• What changes: Silencers are treated like other firearms under federal law; no special NFA registration; states cannot add extra silencer-only taxes or registration; silencers need a serial number; a 10% federal excise tax applies to silencers .
• When: Most changes start more than 90 days after the bill becomes law; federal silencer records must be destroyed within 365 days .