Two Missouri lawmakers are seeking to overturn the prohibition on firearm silencers, citing their alleged involvement in the recent hitman-style assassination of a health insurance executive in New York.
State Rep.-elect Mike Costlow and state Sen. Nick Schroer, both Republicans, have recently proposed a new legislation aimed at preventing the prosecution of individuals who possess or sell gun suppressors. In addition, their measure seeks to protect silencers manufactured in Missouri from facing federal charges.
According to Costlow, the purpose of the measure is to assist in the prevention of hearing loss for hunters and other individuals who enjoy firearms.
According to Costlow, earplugs serve as a form of hearing protection. He emphasized the importance of this, stating that he knows several individuals who have experienced hearing difficulties.
Allegations have arisen surrounding the alleged gunman, Luigi Mangione, who reportedly used a silencer when he tragically took the life of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on a New York sidewalk. This incident has sparked a discussion about the legality of silencers and the push to make them legal.
Costlow expressed his hope that the event would not undermine his proposal.
“I can see why people might think it’s bad timing,” he explained. “But regardless of whether he used a suppressor or not, the outcome would have been the same.”
Silencers are cylindrical devices that are attached to the end of a gun barrel to reduce the noise produced when a bullet is fired.
Suppressors are legal in the majority of states, although they are subject to federal restrictions that date back to the 1930s. To purchase a suppressor, individuals must fulfill certain requirements, including submitting fingerprints and a photograph, undergoing a thorough background check, and paying a $200 transfer tax.
According to the National Firearm Industry Trade Organization, the number of silencers registered in the United States has surged from 1.3 million in 2017 to over 4.8 million as of July 2024.
Gun control advocates, such as Everytown for Gun Safety, argue that allowing silencers to fall into the wrong hands could pose significant risks to public safety. They assert that using appropriate ear protection is a more effective means of preventing hearing loss caused by the loud noise of gunfire.
According to the organization, silencers should not be viewed as a matter of “hearing protection.”
Costlow, an avid hunter, shares his preference for using a suppressor while hunting deer. Rather than relying on sound-deadening earmuffs, he opts for this alternative as it allows him to fully immerse himself in the natural sounds of the surrounding environment.
He also mentioned that the increased usage of shooting ranges could potentially result in lower sound levels, which would be beneficial for individuals residing or hiking in close proximity to these areas.
The upcoming legislative session in January could see a range of gun safety issues being debated, including the potential controversy surrounding silencers.
Republicans in the House have introduced several bills related to gun rights. One of these measures aims to prohibit banks from using credit card codes to determine if an individual has bought a firearm.
The GOP has put forth various proposals, one of which involves prohibiting red flag laws. These laws are meant to prevent individuals in the midst of a mental health crisis from possessing firearms.
Democrats, who hold the minority status in both chambers, have introduced several gun control bills. These bills encompass a ban on the sale of specific rifles to individuals under the age of 21, as well as the implementation of universal background checks for all firearm purchases.
Schroer seems to acknowledge the potential legal concerns surrounding the sale of these devices, as stated in the legislation.
Instead of taking immediate effect upon being signed into law, the measure instructs the state attorney general to seek a federal judge’s opinion on its constitutionality before companies can start producing suppressors.
Costlow is uncertain whether his proposal will make progress in the upcoming session, commencing on January 8th and concluding in mid-May.
“I am sharing the things that ignite my passion,” he expressed. “As a freshman, I understand that my influence may be limited.”
The House Bill 548 and Senate Bill 273 refer to the proposed legislation.
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