House bill would repeal federal registration rules for silencers and short-barreled rifles

What does this do?

HR 335 would repeal the National Firearms Act of 1934, eliminating federal requirements to register, pay a $200 tax, pass a background check, and wait for approval to own weapons such as machine guns, silencers, short-barreled rifles and shotguns, and destructive devices. Items currently regulated under the NFA could be bought and sold without the special federal paperwork now required. State laws would not automatically change, so rules would continue to vary by location.

Who does it affect?

The bill would affect gun owners, buyers, sellers, dealers, and manufacturers who currently handle NFA paperwork and transactions. Federal agencies including the ATF, which now enforce NFA rules, would lose that regulatory responsibility.

Why does it matter?

Removing these federal requirements would mean that weapons currently subject to months-long approval processes could be transferred without federal oversight. Because state laws would remain in place independently, the practical effect on any individual would depend on the state where they live.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• $200 federal tax would be eliminated
• Tax applied per NFA-regulated item
• No replacement funding mentioned