Hearing Protection Act
Key claim: The Hearing Protection Act (S.364, 119th Congress) was introduced and referred to the Senate Finance Committee to remove firearm suppressors from National Firearms Act regulation and associated tax requirements.
Abstract
(S364 · 119th Congress) Latest action (2025-02-03): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Why this matters
The Hearing Protection Act would reclassify firearm suppressors out of the National Firearms Act, eliminating the $200 transfer tax, registration, and extended ATF processing that currently apply to purchasers. For affected groups—hunters, sport shooters, and hearing-sensitive gun owners—the practical effect would be faster, cheaper access to suppressors, while opponents raise concerns about reduced traceability and law-enforcement visibility into suppressor ownership. The bill’s referral to Senate Finance (rather than Judiciary) reflects its framing as a tax measure and mirrors prior unsuccessful attempts across multiple Congresses.