HEAR Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9208
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-08: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-01T08:09:20Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose The legislation, titled the Help Empower Americans to Respond Act of 2026 (HEAR Act of 2026), aims to restrict civilian access to firearm silencers and firearm mufflers by prohibiting their import, sale, manufacture, transfer, and possession, while allowing limited exceptions primarily for law enforcement and security purposes.
Key Provisions
- Amends definitions in 18 U.S.C. § 921(a) by removing silencers and mufflers from certain firearm classifications and adding a reference to qualified law enforcement officers.
- Prohibits most individuals from importing, selling, manufacturing, transferring, or possessing firearm silencers or mufflers in interstate or foreign commerce, with narrow exceptions for:
- Federal, state, and local law enforcement officers (including campus police) for official duties.
- Nuclear facility licensees for security and training purposes.
- Licensed manufacturers or importers for authorized testing.
- Authorizes seizure and forfeiture of prohibited items and updates related penalty provisions.
- Requires the Attorney General to create a nationwide buy-back program for existing silencers and mufflers during a 90-day transition period, funded in part through Byrne grants.
- Sets an effective date 90 days after enactment and includes a severability clause.
Significant Changes to Existing Law This bill introduces a near-total ban on civilian possession of firearm silencers and mufflers, shifting from the prior regulatory framework under the National Firearms Act (which required registration and taxation) to an outright prohibition with limited carve-outs. It expands forfeiture authority and integrates buy-back incentives into existing grant programs.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: Increases administrative responsibilities for the Department of Justice in enforcing the ban, managing the buy-back program, and handling forfeitures; may affect state and local law enforcement agencies through expanded access exceptions.
- Citizens: Requires individuals currently possessing silencers or mufflers to surrender them via the buy-back program or face penalties; limits options for lawful firearm accessories.
- International relations: Restricts imports and exports involving these devices, potentially affecting cross-border commerce and compliance with international arms regulations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Firearm owners and collectors who currently possess or wish to acquire silencers or mufflers.
- Firearm manufacturers, importers, and dealers.
- Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including campus police.
- Nuclear facility operators and their security personnel.
- The Department of Justice and state governments administering grant programs.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The restrictions may raise questions under the Second Amendment regarding the regulation of firearm accessories, though the bill includes exceptions for official use. The 90-day effective date and buy-back program aim to facilitate compliance and reduce legal challenges related to existing ownership. The severability provision protects the remainder of the Act if any part is invalidated.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12]
Cosponsors (7)
Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13], Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1], Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5], Rep. Ivey, Glenn [D-MD-4], Rep. Casten, Sean [D-IL-6], Rep. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-8]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-08: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2026-06-08: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-08: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Help Empower Americans to Respond Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-08 — PDF (6 pages)