Suppressor reform bills on the move in NY, Rhode Island

By Chris Eger

Currently, eight states ban National Firearms Act-compliant suppressors from civilian ownership and 10 prohibit their use in hunting, though this could soon change. (Photo: Chris Eger/Guns.com)
Legislation is underway to legalize suppressor ownership in two of the eight states that currently restrict their possession.
In both New York and Rhode Island bills aimed at removing the prohibition on firearm silencers and allow for their use in hunting are scheduled for hearings this week in their respective state senates.
In the Empire State, Robert G. Ortt, a Republican state senator from the Niagara Falls area, is arguing the use of the devices would help as a form of hearing protection.
“An individual at a gun range who is continuously exposing themselves to the repeated firing of a weapon could be doing extreme amounts of damage to their hearing,” said Ortt in a note to lawmakers. “Likewise, an individual who is hunting and is exposed to the loud firing of their or someone else’s weapon risks hearing loss as well.”
Ortt’s bill, S.1209A, would allow the possession of suppressors and clarifies they can be used in hunting.
Currently, 42 states ban use or possession of federally regulated suppressors except for law enforcement or licensed dealers. State legalization of

Source: Guns.com