Lawmakers in the Iowa House of Representatives passed a bill Thursday to allow the sale and possession of gun silencers, according to Radio Iowa.
House File 2381, which "allows any person, trust, corporation or entity to lawfully possess a firearm suppressor if the suppressor is registered and possessed in compliance with federal law and regulations," passed by a vote of 83-16.
Rep. Matt Windschitl (R-Missouri Valley) said the bill is a “prime opportunity to expand the freedom and liberty Iowans deserve.” According to the Muscatine Journal, Windschitl said it's a "completely legit argument" that the bill would help gun users protect their hearing while firing guns.
Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad (D-Des Moines) relayed concern over the bill from residents in his community, who he said live "in fear" silencers will intensify the danger of illegal guns on the street.
According to the Globe Gazette, the bill is not likely to come up for a vote in the state senate, as Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Rob Hogg (D-Cedar Rapids) said lawmakers are too busy to consider new legislation in the middle of a session.
“We’ll take a look at that, but it is my plan not to take up any firearms legislation this year,” Hogg said. “I see nothing urgent about this.