The firearms industry is still largely protected under federal law from being held liable in mass shootings. But some lawmakers are looking to pass legislation at the state level that would make suing gun stores easier if a weapon they sold is used in a mass shooting.
A bill introduced in Colorado’s state legislative session Thursday aims at repealing a state law that protects firearm companies from being held liable for violence perpetrated with their products.
The bill also outlines a new code of conduct for gunmakers to follow, including how marketing tactics could land them in court.
Hawaii, New Hampshire, Virginia, Washington, New Mexico and Maryland are considering similar bills in their state legislatures. It’s unclear how successful any state law would be, given states like California and New York are already facing lawsuits over similar legislation.
Even with broad immunity at the federal level, firearm companies have been successfully sued in years past. Remington made the rifle used in the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting. The lawsuit settled for $73 million after families said the company targeted at-risk males in advertising, and used product placement in violent video games.
The latest proposed legislation is the most recent attempt from states to remove legal protections from the gun industry amid mass shootings.
Critics of the legislation say if Coors Brewing Company shouldn’t be held responsible for its customer drinking and driving, then gun businesses can’t be held responsible for what their customers do.
