Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to talk about the fact that the HPA passed the U.S. House of Representatives recently. This move marks an attempt to expand gun rights and make suppressor ownership easier for average citizens. Without further ado, let's go over what happened, what comes next, and more.
What Happened?
On May 22, 2025, the House of Representatives passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. While this large bill includes a variety of things, one aspect which stands out to shooters is the fact that Section 2 of the HPA, or Hearing Protection Act, was included in the bill.
The bill passed by a narrow, razor thin margin of just one vote with 215 votes for the bill and 214 against. An important thing to note is that this narrow vote occurred in a House with a Republican majority.
Of course, there was much more to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act than just the HPA, which certainly influenced votes on either side of the aisle.
What is the HPA?
The HPA was initially proposed in 2017. At its core, the act sought to remove suppressors from the NFA, or National Firearms Act and eliminate red tape and barriers to entry.
This act would remove the $200 tax stamp needed for suppressors along with treating them like long guns as far as purchasing goes. The current process of suppressor transferring would be replaced by the same NICS check shooters are familiar with when purchasing firearms.
Additionally, the act would also eliminate and purge records which pertain to the registration, transfer, and manufacture of suppressors.
What is the NFA?
The National Firearms Act of 1934, often simply called the NFA, regulates the ownership of certain types of firearms and accessories. Most notably, the NFA currently regulates the sale and ownership of suppressors, short barreled rifles, and short barreled shotguns. These types of firearms are subject to a $200 NFA Tax Stamp per item and require specialized forms prior to transfer.
NFA forms like the common Form 1 and Form 4 require additional documentation when compared to typical firearm purchases. Notably, prospective NFA item purchasers must also supply a passport style photo and fingerprints with their applications.
Forms can be submitted in either physical form via mail or electronic form through the ATF eForms site. NFA items also notably have additional restrictions on them which go beyond those on regular firearms and accessories. These restrictions range from a lengthy transfer process in the event one wishes to sell an NFA item in addition to travel restrictions on things like SBRs.
What is the Current Process for Purchasing a Suppressor?
Under current laws and practices, the process for purchasing and taking ownership of a suppressor is an involved process. At time of writing, suppressors cannot be purchased like other firearm accessories or guns themselves.
They are subject to regulation by the NFA and require that a $200 tax stamp is paid to the ATF. Once the Form 1 or From 4 is submitted, the form is then processed by ATF personnel.
As of now, wait times for eForms submitted to the ATF have been at an all time low. Some applicants have even received their approval within a 2 day period. Paper forms which are mailed directly to the ATF understandably have a longer processing time.
What Comes Next?
After passing the House, this bill then goes to the Senate, where it is to be voted on again. Currently, the Senate's 100 seats host 53 Republicans, 45 Democrats, and 2 Independents.
Of course, nothing is certain until there is an actual vote. Remember, the act just barely passed the House, even with a Republican majority.
If the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passes the Senate, it goes off to the President's desk. Once it reaches President Trump's desk, it is likely that he will sign the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law.
Realistic Impact
Realistically, if the HPA were signed into law via the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, shooters will see a variety of changes when it comes to suppressor ownership. As mentioned above, suppressors will be removed from the NFA.
Shooters will no longer have to pay a $200 tax stamp or fill out specialized forms if the HPA becomes law. This means that suppressors will essentially become cheaper for shooters and purchasing them will be similar to purchasing a firearm.
At the end of the day, there will be fewer barriers to entry when it comes to suppressor ownership if this version of the HPA becomes a law and suppressors are free from NFA regulation.
Conclusion
Of course, this does not change anything right now. As mentioned above, the Senate still has to vote on the matter before it can be advanced to the President and made into law.
There is more to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act than just Section 2 of the HPA, meaning that other interests and agendas will be at play with this upcoming vote. That being said, the fact that the HPA has made it this far in the process is certainly encouraging for shooters and enthusiasts.
If there are any updates regarding the progress of the HPA through the legislative process, we here at True Shot Ammo will keep you apprised of future developments. If we catch wind of an update regarding this matter, we will provide an update as soon as possible.
While we here at True Shot do not stock suppressors, we do carry a wide range of suppressor friendly ammo for sale. Our inventory of ammunition for sale encompasses popular calibers and gauges like 9mm, 5.56, 12 gauge, and .22 LR.
Whether you want to buy ammo for suppressor use or buy bulk ammo, we have you covered. As always, happy shooting.
