Sen. Blumenthal Introduces Bill to Allow Lawsuits Against Gun Manufacturers and Dealers
This bill was recently introduced in the Senate and is currently being reviewed by the Committee on the Judiciary. It is in the early stages of the legislative process and has not yet been scheduled for a vote. The bill remains active as it waits for the committee to decide on its next steps.
While the bill has strong support from many Democrats, it faces a very difficult path in a divided Congress where gun control measures often struggle to get enough votes to pass.
This bill’s path across every version that has carried it.
Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
Small gun shops and firearms dealers would lose the legal protections that have shielded them from most civil lawsuits since 2005. Without these protections, small dealers could face expensive lawsuits even when they followed all existing laws. The cost of defending against litigation and higher insurance premiums could threaten the viability of small firearms retailers, who have fewer resources than large manufacturers to absorb legal costs.
“Sections 2, 3, and 4 of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (15 U.S.C. 7901, 7902, 7903) are repealed.”
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Aurora Congressman Jason Crow reintroduced the Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act, which would repeal the 2005 Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA). The bill aims to allow survivors to hold the gun industry accountable for negligence in civil court.
U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff and colleagues introduced the bicameral Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act to repeal the gun industry's unique legal liability shield. Schiff stated the bill would ensure negligent gun makers and dealers are held responsible for their products' impact.
Senators Duckworth and Durbin joined a group of 80 lawmakers to introduce legislation repealing the 2005 PLCAA. The bill would allow victims of gun violence to seek justice in court against negligent manufacturers, treating the industry like any other business regarding civil liability.
No votes or related bills recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act
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