Legislation to Watch – HR6126 End the Normalized Delay of Suppressors Act of 2020

Those seeking some good news for gun owners on the legislative front need look no further than House Resolution 6126. The American Suppressor Association and others in the industry have worked for years to change the laws related to suppressors. They have worked to reduce the maximum time limit on transfers, as well as relaunching the eForm 4 and modernizing the National Firearms Act (NFA). Ultimately their goal is to have suppressors removed from the NFA altogether, but this is a step in the right direction. So what is HR6126?

HR6126

HR6126 – End the Normalized Delay of Suppressors Act of 2020 was introduced on March 5, 2020 by Representative Gregory Steube. Mr. Steube represents Florida’s 17^th District. The bill currently has three cosponsors; Representative Bob Gibbs of Ohio’s 7^th District, Roger Marshall of Kansas’ 1^st District, and Representative Steve Watkins of Kansas’ 2^nd District. In the name of full-disclosure, this author lives in Mr. Watkins district but has never met or interacted with the Representative in any substantial way. The bill is assigned to the House Ways and Means Committee and the Judiciary Committee.

The sponsors state the purpose of the bill is “to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow the transfer of a silencer after the end of the 90-day period beginning with the application for such transfer. “.

What the Legislation Does

According to the Library of Congress Summary this bill seeks to accomplish three primary things.

• To modify procedural requirements related to the transfer of a silencer.
• To permit the transfer of a silencer after 90 days from the date of the application to transfer was filed, if the application has not been denied outright.
• Establish reporting requirements on the timeliness of criminal background checks conducted with respect to certain prospective firearm transfers.

Why You Should Care

Gun rights advocates contend suppressors should never have been restricted under NFA. This bill is an attempt to chip away at those restrictions. While this bill has a very low chance of being adopted this term, it is another opportunity to let your elected representatives know you support the goals of the bill. Congressional make up can change from term to term and it is good to have open and regular dialog with legislators. If you need tips for communicating check out Second Amendment Advocacy – A How To Guide

https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/6126

https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/116/hr6126