What does Preamble of HEAR Act of 2026 do?

This bill aims to regulate firearm silencers and firearm mufflers. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on June 8, 2026.

What does SHORT TITLE. of HEAR Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the 'Help Empower Americans to Respond Act of 2026'.

What does DEFINITIONS. of HEAR Act of 2026 do?

This section amends Section 921(a) of Title 18, United States Code. Paragraph (3) of Section 921(a) is modified by removing references to 'firearm muffler or firearm silencer'. A new definition for 'qualified law enforcement officer' is added to Section 921(a), referencing section 926B.

What does RESTRICTIONS ON FIREARM SILENCERS AND FIREARM MUFFLERS. of HEAR Act of 2026 do?

This section amends Section 922 of title 18, United States Code, to prohibit the import, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession of firearm silencers or firearm mufflers in interstate or foreign commerce. Exceptions to the prohibition are made for entities including the United States, states, qualified law enforcement officers, campus law enforcement officers, licensees under the Atomic Energy Act, and licensed manufacturers/importers for testing or experimentation authorized by the Attorney General. A 'campus law enforcement officer' is defined as an individual employed by a higher education institution eligible for funding under Title IV of the Higher Education Act, responsible for crime prevention and investigation, authorized to carry a firearm and make arrests, and recognized by a government entity as a law enforcement officer. Section 924(d) of title 18, United States Code, is amended to include 922(v) in the list of offenses subject to seizure and forfeiture.

What does PENALTIES. of HEAR Act of 2026 do?

This section amends Section 924(a)(1)(B) of title 18, United States Code. The amendment strikes the phrase 'or (q)' and inserts ' (q), or (v)'.

What does USE OF BYRNE GRANTS FOR BUY-BACK PROGRAMS FOR FIREARM SILENCERS of HEAR Act of 2026 do?

This section amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to allow the use of Byrne grants for compensation related to surrendered firearm silencers and mufflers. It requires the Attorney General to establish and implement a nationwide buy-back program for firearm silencers and mufflers within a 90-day period. The buy-back program is intended to facilitate compliance with the requirements of this Act and its amendments.

What does EFFECTIVE DATE. of HEAR Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes the effective date for amendments made by sections 2, 3, and 4 of the Act. The amendments will take effect 90 days after the Act's enactment.

What does SEVERABILITY. of HEAR Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a severability clause for the Act. If a portion of the Act is deemed unconstitutional, the remaining provisions and amendments will remain in effect. The application of any provision or amendment to a person or circumstance will not be affected if it is found unconstitutional.

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HEAR Act of 2026

Last updated: 6/8/2026 · Introduced: 6/8/2026

Author: Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill prohibits the interstate and foreign commerce of firearm silencers and mufflers, with exceptions for entities like the U.S. government, law enforcement, and licensed manufacturers for testing.
The bill establishes a nationwide buy-back program for firearm silencers and mufflers, funded through Byrne grants, to facilitate compliance with the new restrictions.
Violations of the prohibitions on firearm silencers and mufflers will now be subject to seizure and forfeiture, and penalties are updated to reflect these changes.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 6 more.

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