A bill in both the Rhode Island House and Senate would allow gun-related civil negligence lawsuits.
They would target gun manufacturers and/or sellers who fail to take reasonable steps to prevent the illegal purchase or modification of firearms.
“A federal law passed by the gun lobby provides the gun industry with a broad immunity from civil lawsuits that no other industry has. Our bill ensures victims of gun violence can access our justice system when they are harmed as a result of knowingly reckless conduct by members of the firearms industry. By mandating that members of the industry implement reasonable control and procedures to prevent things like theft and gun trafficking, we can ensure the small number of bad actors within the industry face the same liability as any other business in Rhode Island,” said Senator Pamela Lauria (D-Dist. 32, Barrington, Bristol, East Providence).
Supporters of the legislation said passage would strengthen public safety by holding the gun industry accountable in certain circumstances.
(Photo by Daniel Karmann / AFP via Getty Images)
Photo: DANIEL KARMANN / AFP / Getty Images