Missouri lawmakers pass law exempting state-made firearm suppressors from federal regulation

Missouri's House Bill 548 is igniting a firestorm of debate as it seeks to exempt locally manufactured firearm suppressors from federal regulation. Introduced on April 3, 2025, the bill asserts that suppressors made and sold within Missouri will not be subject to federal laws, including registration requirements, effectively challenging the authority of Congress over interstate commerce.

Key provisions of the bill include a mandate that all Missouri-made suppressors bear the stamp "Made in Missouri," and a requirement for the state attorney general to seek a federal court's approval on the bill's constitutionality if notified by a citizen intending to manufacture a suppressor. The legislation also prohibits state and local entities from enforcing any federal regulations that impose restrictions not present in state law.

The bill has sparked significant controversy, with proponents arguing it protects Second Amendment rights and promotes local manufacturing. Critics, however, warn that it could lead to legal conflicts and undermine federal gun control efforts. The potential implications are vast, as the bill could set a precedent for other states to follow suit, challenging federal authority on various issues.

Experts suggest that if passed, House Bill 548 could escalate tensions between state and federal governments, particularly in the realm of gun control. As the bill moves through the legislative process, its fate remains uncertain, but its introduction signals a growing trend of states asserting their rights in the face of federal regulations. The outcome could reshape the landscape of firearm legislation in Missouri and beyond.