Ortt plans to reintroduce bill to allow firearms silencers after voted down in committee

Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt

LOCKPORT – On Tuesday, Senate Bill S.2099, which would have permitted firearms suppressors for rifles, was voted down in the senate environmental conservation committee.

The legal use of suppressors for hunting is permitted in 38 other states, with a total of 42 states allowing the legal sale and possession of suppressors. The ATF has strict guidelines in place for who can legally own a suppressor – the process involves paying an additional tax on purchase, filling out multiple forms, and passing an ATF background check.

“One of the reasons I ran for Senate was to give hunters and sportsmen in my district a voice in Albany,” Ortt said. “But in a legislature dominated by New York City extremists, who consistently show contempt for law-abiding gun owners and a complete ignorance of firearms and the tools that make them safer to use, defending our Second Amendment rights gets harder every year. I will keep fighting to pass this bill and protect the constitutional rights of gun owners across New York.”

Often misportrayed by Hollywood, firearms suppressors do not completely silence a weapon. They do cut down the noise substantially, but do nothing to add to the danger or lethality of firearms.

Suppressors simply make it easier on the ears for hunters and sportsmen who choose to utilize this tool. An individual who is hunting is often exposed to the loud firing of their weapon, risking hearing loss. Senate bill S.2099 sought to easily remedy that situation.

“It is disheartening to hear that the bill was defeated. There are many misconceptions around suppressors from cool Hollywood action movies that skew the perception of actual functionality,” said Joe Olscamp, CEO of Escarpment Arms. “I hope that someday we can have an open discussion on the benefits surrounding their use – and I thank Senator Ortt for his continued support in working to legalize suppressors here in New York.”

Senator Ortt intends to re-introduce this bill in the next legislative session.