Introduction of the PARTS Act

On March 13, 2025, Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT) introduced the Protecting Americans’ Right to Silence (PARTS) Act, designated as S. 1039, with support from seven bipartisan colleagues. This legislative effort seeks to modernize the definition of “firearm silencer” within the Gun Control Act.

“We applaud Senator Sheehy for standing up for the rights of millions of law-abiding gun owners,” stated Knox Williams, President and Executive Director of the American Suppressor Association. “No one should have to have a law degree to understand the technical serialization requirements for a simple hearing protection device. Senator Sheehy has done gun owners a great service by introducing this bill.”

Details of the PARTS Act

The PARTS Act aims to refine the definition of suppressors, focusing specifically on complete devices or key components, like a frame or receiver. This simplification addresses past ambiguities associated with terms like “combination of parts,” which have contributed to regulatory confusion.

Key Provisions

• Elimination of unnecessary paperwork related to the purchase of consumable suppressor parts, such as wipes, streamlining the process similar to that of non-serialized firearm components.
• Addressing regulatory concerns pointed out in a November 2023 letter to the ATF, preventing the classification of certain suppressor components as regulated items.
• Ensuring sustained access to the growing community of suppressor users, reinforcing a clear, sensible regulatory framework as demand rises.

Support for the Legislation

The PARTS Act has gained co-sponsorship from notable senators, including Mike Lee (R-UT), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Ted Budd (R-NC), Steve Daines (R-MT), Jim Justice (R-WV), and John Cornyn (R-TX). Additionally, Representative August Pfluger (R-TX) has introduced a companion bill in the House of Representatives.

The Role of the American Suppressor Association (ASA)

Founded in 2011, the ASA has played a pivotal role in advocating for suppressor rights across the United States. Their efforts have led to significant advancements, including the legalization of suppressors in multiple states, and the allowance of their use while hunting in 19 states. The ASA continues to fight against restrictive legislation and works toward improving the National Firearms Act (NFA) transfer processes.