Current Status (May 2025)

• House Passage: The U.S. House passed a reconciliation bill including the Hearing Protection Act (HPA), aiming to remove suppressors from the NFA and eliminate the $200 tax stamp.

• Current Requirements: Suppressors require ATF Form 4, $200 tax, fingerprints, photos, and local law enforcement notification.

Next Steps and Estimated Timeline

1. Senate Review and Vote (Summer-Fall 2025):

   • Senate considers the bill, potentially passing with a simple majority via reconciliation.

   • Possible amendments or fallback to $0 tax stamp with NFA intact.

   • Duration: 1-3 months.

2. House-Senate Reconciliation (Fall 2025):

   • Conference committee resolves differences if Senate amends the bill.

   • Duration: 2-6 weeks (skipped if no amendments).

3. Presidential Approval (Late 2025):

   • President Trump signs the bill, expected due to his pro-gun stance.

   • Duration: Within 10 days of receiving the bill.

4. Regulatory Implementation (2026):

   • ATF updates regulations to reclassify suppressors under the GCA, requiring only standard background checks.

   • Possible tax refunds for recent buyers.

   • Duration: 3-12 months.

5. Potential Challenges (2026-2027):

   • Legal challenges from gun control groups may delay implementation.

   • Duration: Varies, potentially months to years.

Implications for Buyers

• 2025: Continue with current NFA process ($200 tax, Form 4, wait times).

• 2026+: If passed, suppressors require only a background check (Form 4473), no tax, and same-day purchase possible.

• Action: Monitor Congress.gov (H.R. 404, S. 364), contact legislators, and consult dealers like Silencer Central for guidance.