Illinois hunters would be allowed to use silencers under new legislation

House Bill 433, sponsored by Rep. Brandon Phelps, D-Harrisburg, would remove  "a prohibition on the use of a silencer or other device to muffle or mute the sound of the explosion or report resulting from the firing of any gun." The legislation, which has an identical measure introduced in the Senate,  also "Provides that no person shall, carry, possess, transport or use a silencer, suppressor or other device to muffle or mute the sound of the explosion or report resulting from the firing of any gun for the taking of game, unless such silencer, suppressor, or device is in compliance with the National Firearms Act."

Under HB 433, a gun owner would need to have a FOID card to legally possess a silencer. A person also would need to undergo a background check conducted by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and pay a tax.

Illinois became the last state to allow concealed carry, and is one of the few states that does not allow hunters to use silencers. Phelps acknowledged that gun opponents are likely to challenge the bill.