Virginia subcommittee tables proposal to tax firearm suppressors after broad public opposition

The House Finance Subcommittee No. 2 laid House Bill 207 on the table after lengthy testimony on whether to replace a proposed $500 flat fee on firearm suppressors with an 11% sales tax.

Delegate Karen Keys Gamara, the bill’s patron, told the subcommittee the substitute was intended to align HB207 with another proposal and the tax code. Counsel explained the amendment would “change it from a $500 fee on that firearm suppressor … and change that fee to an 11% tax on the sale.”

Witnesses from shooting‑sports and gun‑rights organizations strongly opposed the change at the subcommittee. Knox Williams of the American Suppressor Association argued that “suppressors are hearing protection devices, plain and simple,” and that taxing them is like taxing seat belts. John Weber representing the National Rifle Association said the “massive tax increase on hearing protection devices” would burden law‑abiding Virginians and would not target criminals.

Medical and public‑health testimony also focused on hearing protection. Stephanie Chayeski, executive director of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology, told the panel that suppressors “reduce the decibel level on a gunshot anywhere from say 10 to 30 decibels” and described the devices as “a very important and clinically meaningful device as it relates to reducing the risk of noise‑induced hearing loss.”

Patron Gamara said she did not intend the change to be punitive and that the amendment reflected discussions with young constituents urging action. After questions and public comment, a committee member moved to lay HB207 on the table. The clerk then closed the roll and announced the bill had been laid on the table (recorded in the transcript as “by a vote to a 9 to 0”).

Next steps: HB207 will not advance from this subcommittee today; tabling leaves open the possibility it could be taken up later, but the subcommittee’s action halts immediate movement.