Overview

Title

To amend the definitions of firearm silencer and firearm muffler in section 921 of title 18, United States Code, and for other purposes.

ELI5 AI

The PARTS Act of 2024 wants to make sure everyone knows exactly what parts of a gun are called "silencers" or "mufflers," which are special pieces that help make the gun quieter. It describes these parts clearly so there’s no confusion about what they include, like the main tube that quiets the noise.

Summary AI

H. R. 10145, known as the "Protecting Americans’ Right to Silence Act of 2024" or the "PARTS Act of 2024," aims to update the definitions of "firearm silencer" and "firearm muffler" in section 921 of title 18 of the United States Code. The bill clarifies these devices as any designed to reduce the sound of a firearm and capable of being attached to it. It also specifies the outer tube or main structure used for sound reduction as part of these definitions.

Published

2024-11-15
Congress: 118
Session: 2
Chamber: HOUSE
Status: Introduced in House
Date: 2024-11-15
Package ID: BILLS-118hr10145ih

Keywords AI

firearm silencer firearm muffler parts act of 2024 section 921 united states code legal definitions sound reduction firearm attachments legislation compliance congressional bill

Sources

Bill Statistics

Size

Sections:
2
Words:
398
Pages:
2
Sentences:
10

Language

Nouns: 112
Verbs: 31
Adjectives: 18
Adverbs: 2
Numbers: 14
Entities: 27

Complexity

Average Token Length:
3.77
Average Sentence Length:
39.80
Token Entropy:
4.47
Readability (ARI):
19.40

AnalysisAI

Summary of the Bill

The proposed legislation, titled the Protecting Americans' Right to Silence Act of 2024 or the PARTS Act of 2024, aims to update the legal definitions of "firearm silencer" and "firearm muffler" in the United States Code. Specifically, the bill seeks to clarify and broaden the scope of these terms to include a wider range of devices or components designed to reduce the sound made by firearms. These components can be attached either directly or indirectly to portable firearms. The bill does not address fiscal matters or propose any new spending.

Significant Issues

Several concerns have been identified in the text of this bill, primarily centered around the complexity and potential ambiguity in the definitions provided:

  1. Complex Language: The language used to define "firearm silencer" and "firearm muffler" is notably detailed, using terms like "designed or redesigned, made or remade," which may be perceived as redundant. This complexity could lead to challenges in interpretation and enforcement, presenting potential difficulties for both manufacturers and consumers in understanding and complying with the law.

  2. Ambiguity in Definitions: The bill contains ambiguous phrasing, particularly the statement "other device that is not a firearm silencer or firearm muffler." This might lead to differing interpretations concerning which attachments are permissible, potentially resulting in legal disputes or inconsistency in enforcement.

  3. Lack of Budgetary Consideration: The bill does not address financial implications. While it does not necessarily involve federal or state spending, the absence of financial considerations could lead to discussions or amendments if cost-related impacts become an issue.

Potential Impact on the Public

The amendments proposed by the PARTS Act of 2024 could broadly impact the public by providing clearer, albeit complex, legal guidelines on what constitutes a firearm silencer or muffler. This is particularly relevant for individuals involved in the manufacturing, sale, or use of these devices. By narrowing and specifying these definitions, the bill could affect how these devices are marketed, sold, and regulated.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

  1. Manufacturers and Retailers: For manufacturers and retailers of firearm accessories, this bill could introduce regulatory challenges due to the complex and specific definition changes. They may need to carefully review and possibly adjust their product lines and marketing strategies to comply with the new legal definitions.

  2. Law Enforcement and Legal System: The bill may complicate enforcement and legal proceedings due to ambiguous language. Law enforcement agencies might require additional guidance or training to effectively implement these changes, and the potential for varied interpretations could lead to increased litigation.

  3. Firearm Owners: Firearm owners who utilize suppressors may find themselves affected by the changed interpretations of what constitutes a legal silencer or muffler. Depending on the final application of the law, some currently available accessories could see altered legality or regulation, altering purchase and ownership dynamics.

In summary, while the PARTS Act of 2024 aims to address and clarify existing gaps in the current firearm law, its complexity and ambiguities might pose challenges for stakeholders. Ensuring the final language achieves clear, concise, and enforceable definitions will be crucial for its successful implementation and acceptance.

Issues

  • The language defining 'firearm silencer' and 'firearm muffler' in Section 2 could be viewed as overly complex and difficult to follow due to repeated terms like 'designed or redesigned, made or remade.' This complexity could complicate interpretation and enforcement, potentially leading to legal disputes or difficulty in compliance for manufacturers and consumers.

  • There is potential ambiguity in the phrase 'other device that is not a firearm silencer or firearm muffler' found in Section 2, which might lead to different interpretations regarding permissible firearm attachments. Such ambiguity could result in legal challenges or inconsistencies in application and enforcement.

  • The bill text does not address any budgetary concerns or implications for federal or state expenditures in Section 2. While no issues of wasteful spending or favoritism are noted, the absence of financial considerations might necessitate future amendments or discussions if cost implications arise.

Sections

Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.

1. Short title Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The first section of the act states its name, which is "Protecting Americans’ Right to Silence Act of 2024," also known as the "PARTS Act of 2024."

2. Firearm silencers and firearm mufflers Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section redefines the terms "firearm silencer" and "firearm muffler" in U.S. law to include any device or part designed to reduce the sound made by a firearm, which can be attached directly or indirectly to a firearm.