Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Overview
The Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act amends the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act to provide greater legal protections for firearm manufacturers and retailers. Specifically, it aims to dismiss existing lawsuits against these entities and clarifies the definition of ‘engaged in the business’ related to firearms. The bill also introduces a procedure for removing lawsuits to federal court if they are deemed qualified civil liability actions, while excluding certain types of claims like those related to negligent entrustment or violations of specific gun laws. Finally, it establishes a preemption clause, stating that state and local laws cannot impose liability on firearms manufacturers and sellers in a generally applicable manner.
Key provisions
- Dismissal of pending lawsuits against firearm manufacturers, sellers, and trade associations.
- Clarified definition of ‘engaged in the business’ for firearms-related entities.
- Establishment of a procedure for removing lawsuits to federal court if they qualify as ‘qualified civil liability actions’.
- Exclusion of certain claims from the scope of immunity, such as those related to negligent entrustment or specific statutory violations.
- Creation of a preemption clause, limiting state and local laws that impose liability on firearms manufacturers and sellers.
- Definition of ‘qualified product’ to include firearms, ammunition, and related accessories.
- Requirement to plead with particularity the factual allegations supporting exceptions to immunity.
- Granting attorney’s fees to prevailing defendants asserting immunity.
Bill text
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Sponsors
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55 on record
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