Missouri legislators advocating for legalization of gun silencers

Two lawmakers from Missouri are pushing to repeal the ban on firearm silencers, following the alleged use of one in the recent hitman-style murder of a health insurance executive in New York.

State Representative-elect Mike Costlow, a Republican from Dardenne Prairie, and State Senator Nick Schroer, a Republican from Defiance, have collaborated on a proposed bill that aims to prevent the prosecution of individuals involved in the possession or sale of firearm suppressors.

Additionally, the legislation seeks to provide protection to silencers manufactured within the state of Missouri, safeguarding them from potential federal prosecution.

Costlow stated that the purpose of the measure is to aid in the prevention of hearing loss among hunters and other individuals who enjoy firearms.

“They serve as a means of protecting one’s hearing,” Costlow explained. “I personally know many individuals who have experienced hearing difficulties.”

The call to legalize silencers arises amidst the context of alleged gunman Luigi Mangione reportedly employing the accessory during his fatal attack on UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on a New York sidewalk.

Costlow expressed his hope that the event would not undermine his proposal.

“I understand why some may argue that the timing is not ideal,” he acknowledged. “However, it is important to note that the outcome would have been the same, regardless of whether or not he had used a suppressor.”

Silencers, also known as suppressors, are devices that are attached to the end of a gun barrel to reduce the noise produced when a round is fired.

Suppressors, although legal in the majority of states, are subject to federal law dating back to the 1930s. To purchase a suppressor, individuals must undergo a series of steps, which include submitting fingerprints and a photograph, undergoing a background check, and paying a $200 transfer tax.

According to the National Firearm Industry Trade Organization, the number of registered silencers in the United States has seen a significant increase, rising from 1.3 million in 2017 to over 4.8 million as of July 2024.

Everytown for Gun Safety and other proponents of gun control argue that allowing silencers to fall into the wrong hands could pose significant dangers to public safety. They maintain that the use of proper ear protection is a more effective method of preventing hearing loss caused by the sound of gunfire.

According to the organization, silencers should not be viewed as a matter of “hearing protection.”

Costlow is an avid deer hunter who chooses to use a suppressor when hunting. He finds this method more enjoyable as it allows him to fully immerse himself in the natural sounds of the environment, rather than relying on sound-deadening earmuffs.

According to him, the increased use of shooting ranges could potentially result in lower sound levels for individuals residing or hiking in close proximity to these areas.

The General Assembly may see a range of gun safety issues come to the forefront when the legislative session commences in January. One such issue that could spark controversy is the debate over silencers.

Republicans in the House have introduced several bills related to gun rights. One of these measures aims to prohibit banks from using credit card codes to ascertain if an individual has bought a firearm.

The GOP has put forward several proposals, one of which seeks to prohibit red flag laws. These laws are intended to prevent individuals experiencing a mental health crisis from having access to firearms.

In their efforts to enact stricter gun control measures, Democrats, who currently hold the minority position in both chambers, have introduced several bills.

These proposals include a potential ban on the sale of specific rifles to individuals under the age of 21, as well as the implementation of universal background checks for all firearm purchases.

Schroer seems to recognize the potential legal concerns surrounding the sale of these devices, as stated in the legislation.

Instead of taking immediate effect upon signing into law, the measure instructs the state attorney general to seek a constitutional assessment from a federal judge before companies can commence production of suppressors.

Costlow expressed uncertainty about the progress of his proposal in the upcoming legislative session, scheduled to commence on January 8 and conclude in mid-May.

“I’m sharing my passions,” he expressed. “As a freshman, I don’t anticipate significant progress.”

The proposed bills are House Bill 548 and Senate Bill 273.

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