H.R.850 - Silencers Help Us Save Hearing Act; SHUSH Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 850, the "Silencers Help Us Save Hearing Act" or "SHUSH Act," seeks to remove silencers from the purview of the National Firearms Act (NFA) and treat them as firearms accessories. This bill would eliminate federal registration and regulation of silencers, preempting certain state laws related to their taxation, marking, recordkeeping, or registration. The bill amends sections of the Internal Revenue Code and Title 18 of the United States Code to achieve these goals.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R. 850 would significantly reduce the regulatory burden on silencer ownership, potentially leading to increased sales and use. State laws imposing taxes or registration requirements on silencers would be invalidated. The practical effect would be that silencers are treated more like standard gun parts.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced cost and paperwork for law-abiding citizens who wish to own silencers.
- Potential hearing protection benefits for shooters, as suggested by the bill's title.
- Increased business for firearms manufacturers and dealers.
- Elimination of conflicting state and federal regulations.
- May encourage more responsible firearm usage due to reduced noise.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased crime due to easier access to silencers.
- Reduced ability of law enforcement to track and regulate silencers.
- Concerns about the impact on public safety due to the reduced regulation.
- Possible increase in noise pollution in some areas if silencers become more prevalent.
- Erosion of existing state-level controls on firearm silencers.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is complex. Proponents may argue it aligns with the Second Amendment, asserting the right to bear arms includes the right to own accessories like silencers. Opponents might argue that the regulation of firearms and accessories falls under the government's power to ensure public safety. The Tenth Amendment, reserving powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, could be invoked regarding the preemption of state laws.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).