Massachusetts Lawmakers Consider Bill on Gun Industry Liability

Massachusetts lawmakers are set to deliberate a proposed bill that would allow gun manufacturers, dealers, and distributors to take legal action in cases of criminal misuse of firearms.

The bill aims to implement what it calls “reasonable restrictions” for the firearms industry, mandating adherence to safety practices designed to prevent the sale or distribution of firearms to individuals prohibited from possessing them by state or federal law, or to those considered to be a “substantial risk” to themselves or others.

Moreover, firearm manufacturers, distributors, and sellers are required to ensure that firearms are neither designed nor promoted in a way that could facilitate their illegal conversion or specifically target minors and other restricted individuals.

This initiative stems from advocacy by gun control organizations, which contend that the gun industry should not escape liability for the criminal misuse of products that were legally manufactured and sold.

Elizabeth Ryan, a policy adviser at Everytown, responded to concerns voiced by gun manufacturers, suggesting that their defense—stating they aren’t responsible for criminal actions taken with their products—misses the point. She emphasized that the legislation holds them accountable if they played a role in making firearms accessible for illegal use.