HEAR Act of 2026

What This Bill Does

Help Empower Americans to Respond Act of 2026 or the HEAR Act of 2026

This bill prohibits the importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession of a firearm silencer or firearm muffler.

The prohibition does not apply to the following conduct:

importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession related to certain law enforcement efforts, or authorized tests or experiments; and

importation, sale, transfer, or possession related to securing nuclear materials.

A violation is punishable by criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to five years, or both. In addition, a firearm or ammunition used in a violation is subject to seizure and forfeiture.

The bill requires the Department of Justice to establish and implement a buy-back program to purchase firearm silencers and firearm mufflers from individuals who seek to comply with the prohibition. Under the bill, states and local governments may use Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program funds to compensate individuals who surrender silencers and mufflers under the program.

Summary as of 06/08/2026, via Congress.gov / Congressional Research Service.

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