H.R. 3740 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on the Judiciary, Jun 4, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryRemoves liability shield for gun manufacturers
Ever wondered why gun makers can't be sued over how their products are used in crimes. This bill would change that by repealing a law that currently prevents civil lawsuits against firearm and ammunition manufacturers, sellers, and dealers. It also makes gun trace data held by federal authorities available as evidence in lawsuits—data that's currently kept off-limits.
How it affects you
If you've been harmed by gun violence, this could mean the ability to pursue a civil lawsuit against gun manufacturers and sellers. Gun trace data, which tracks where guns came from, would become usable evidence in those cases. For gun manufacturers and sellers, it removes a legal protection they currently have against such lawsuits.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Jun 4, 2025)
Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act of 2025
This 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.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 3740
A BILL
Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act of 2025
Sponsor: Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA-14) · Introduced Jun 4, 2025 · Crime and Law Enforcement · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Jun 4, 2025: “Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.”