Utah Governor Signs Bill to Protect Gun Manufacturers

On Thursday, Utah Governor Spencer Cox (R) enacted legislation aimed at reinforcing protections for gun manufacturers against unwarranted lawsuits.

This new law is designated as HB 214.

The NRA-ILA mentioned that it “enhances liability protections for firearm manufacturers, sellers, and industry organizations by shielding them from being held responsible for the criminal misuse of their legally sold products.”

Moreover, HB 214 asserts that protections are “occupied by the state legislature,” which means Utah’s preemption laws come into play, barring local governments from creating ordinances that offer a lower level of liability protection compared to state regulations.

In 2005, President George W. Bush signed the Lawful Protection of Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), aimed at safeguarding gun manufacturers from lawsuits concerning the criminal misuse of legally produced and sold firearms. However, in recent years, advocates for gun control have been launching lawsuits in attempts to financially undermine gun manufacturers.

Utah’s recently enacted law seeks to bolster community safety.

Neffi Cole from the National Shooting Sports Foundation commented that the Utah Legislature has acknowledged that certain parties are bypassing the federal PLCAA and initiating baseless lawsuits against those within the gun and ammunition sectors for the improper use of legally sold firearms. With Governor Cox’s signature, Utah clarifies that gun control proponents will not be permitted to file frivolous lawsuits against the firearms industry in the state.