HEAR Act of 2026

This bill would make it a federal crime to import, sell, make, transfer, or possess a firearm silencer or muffler. Exceptions would cover federal, state, and local governments, qualified and campus law enforcement officers, security staff at licensed nuclear facilities, and licensed manufacturers or importers doing testing approved by the Attorney General. Silencers held in violation could be seized and forfeited, and violators would face existing federal firearm penalties. The Attorney General would have to set up a nationwide buy-back program for silencers during the 90 days before the ban takes effect, and Byrne grant funds could be used to pay people who turn them in.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Bonnie Watson Coleman Democrat sponsor
• 7 cosponsors