In 2005, Congress passed a law that gives gun manufacturers and dealers broad legal immunity from lawsuits when their products are used in crimes. This bill would repeal that protection entirely, allowing victims of gun violence to sue gunmakers and sellers under the same product liability and negligence standards that apply to every other industry. It would also make the ATF's gun trace database — which tracks how firearms move from manufacturer to crime scene — available as evidence in civil lawsuits, something currently restricted by federal policy.
Congressional Summary
Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act of 2025This bill removes limitations on the civil liability of gun manufacturers and the disclosure of gun trace data in civil actions.Specifically, the bill repeals the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which prohibits civil actions against a firearm or ammunition manufacturer, seller, importer, dealer, or trade association for damages resulting from the criminal or unlawful misuse of a firearm.Additionally, the bill states that firearms trace data maintained by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is not immune from legal process. Such data is subject to discovery; is admissible as evidence; and may be used, relied on, or disclosed in a civil action or administrative proceeding.
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- House
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in House
- Action Date
- 2025-06-04
- Date Added
- 2026-04-15