Missouri committee holds public hearing on bills to allow in‑state manufacture and sale of firearm suppressors

State Representative Mike Caso and State Representative Ben Baker told the Missouri House Committee on General Laws on Tuesday that House Bill 548 (and companion HB 898) would legalize the manufacture and sale of firearm suppressors inside Missouri so long as the devices are made with Missouri materials and remain in the state.

"This is dealing with firearm suppressors. This will legalize firearm suppressors within the state of Missouri," Representative Mike Caso said in the committee hearing. He and Baker described suppressors as an accessory that reduces, but does not eliminate, gunshot noise and noted current federal regulation under the National Firearms Act requires a roughly $200 tax stamp and an ATF background process to obtain one.

Supporters told the committee suppressors reduce the risk of hearing damage in hunting and instructional settings. "They make it a little bit safer for the ears," Baker said, describing practical uses such as teaching…