State-Level Red Tape On Suppressors Becomes Next Front In Second Amendment War

Pro-Second Amendment organizations and lawmakers are eyeing state laws restricting or prohibiting the purchase of suppressors after the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives released guidance on the application of the National Firearms Act.

The new guidance, released Friday in an open letter and a more detailed “frequently asked questions” (FAQ) document, was sent to all federally-licensed firearms dealers (FFLs) detailing how ATF would implement the federal laws impacted by the ruling, while steering clear of overriding state and local laws and regulations. The Firearms Policy Coalition wrote to Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington and Wisconsin, which have laws requiring registration under the NFA for suppressor possession to be legal, asking them not to enforce the provisions

“Must state residents still comply with unconstitutional, enjoined federal regulations to exercise their right to keep and bear the arms under state law?” the letters state. “In order to protect your citizens’ rights, we respectfully request your Office’s attention and offer FPC’s partnership in crafting a prompt resolution.”