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Kansas just made a notable move on suppressors.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation is applauding Governor Laura Kelly for signing HB 2501, a law that removes state-level criminal prohibitions on firearm suppressors.
In simple terms, Kansas is clearing the way for lawful ownership at the state level.
That includes eliminating the previous requirement tying suppressor possession directly to a federal tax stamp under state law, though federal requirements under the National Firearms Act (NFA) still apply.
BREAKING NEWS – After passing the legislature with overwhelming bipartisan support, Kansas @GovLauraKelly has officially signed Sub for HB 2501 into law! This pro-suppressor law will ensure that law-abiding Kansans can always legally purchase and possess NFA items like… pic.twitter.com/4NRdzLpHxh
— American Suppressor Association (@AmSuppressor) April 9, 2026
And that’s where things get a little nuanced.
While the federal tax itself has reportedly been reduced to $0 under recent legislation, the process (background checks, registration, and approval) still remains in place for now.
What this Kansas law does is position the state ahead of the curve in case that federal framework changes down the road, something the NSSF and others are actively pushing for through the proposed Hearing Protection Act.
From their perspective, this isn’t about creating something new. It’s about removing barriers.
NSSF’s Lawrence G. Keane framed suppressors as safety equipment, pointing to their role in reducing noise exposure for shooters and hunters. And the legislative support behind the bill was hard to ignore.
“This is what proactive and commonsense leadership looks like. With Governor Kelly’s signature, Kansas is taking the steps to ensure that its citizens can lawfully obtain, possess and use a hearing protection device when they are removed from the National Firearms Act (NFA), which is long overdue,” said Keane, NSSF’s Senior Vice President & General Counsel. “
Suppressors are hearing safety devices that make recreational shooting and hunting a safer and more enjoyable activity. We will continue to press to have these devices removed from the NFA so that they are more accessible to the public,” he added.
HB 2501 passed with strong bipartisan margins (99-22 in the House and 35-4 in the Senate), suggesting broad agreement, at least within Kansas, that the existing restrictions didn’t make much sense.
But the suppressor piece isn’t the only thing in the bill.
The law also includes protections for firearm retailers, giving them civil liability immunity when returning firearms to owners after voluntary hold agreements, something aimed at encouraging safe storage during mental health concerns.
It also removes certain state-level restrictions on short-barreled rifles (SBRs) and shotgun barrel lengths, while at the same time increasing penalties for criminal misuse involving those firearms or suppressors.
So it’s a mixed package, easing access on one side, tightening consequences on the other.
For now, the big headline is clear: Kansas is stepping away from state-level suppressor restrictions. And if federal law shifts in the future, the state won’t be standing in the way.
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is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the kind of guy who’d rather track whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s got a sharp eye for spotting both solid gear and bad gun laws. Whether he’s deep in the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to firearms, hunting, and the great American tradition of self-reliance. If there’s a hot debate on gun rights or the latest in hunting tech, you can bet Larry’s got an opinion—and it’s probably backed up with both facts and field experience.
Experience:
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– Concealed Carry Permit Holder (NYS & AZ) – Trained and licensed to carry in multiple states.
– 2A Journalist – Covering firearms legislation, Second Amendment issues, and gun rights for over a decade.
– Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Certified to provide emergency medical care in the field.
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