S. 1955 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the Senate, Jun 4, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryAllows lawsuits against gun manufacturers
Right now, a federal law called the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act shields gun makers and sellers from being sued by people harmed by guns, even in cases involving criminal misuse. This bill would remove that shield, allowing victims to bring civil lawsuits against firearms manufacturers and sellers. It would also make gun trace data—information the federal government collects about guns—available as evidence in these lawsuits.
How it affects you
People injured by gun violence and their families could potentially sue gun manufacturers and sellers in court to seek damages. Gun manufacturers and sellers would face new legal exposure. The official summary doesn't spell out broader effects on gun availability or regulation.
Read the official summary (Introduced in Senate, Jun 4, 2025)
Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act
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 SessionS. 1955
A BILL
Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act
Sponsor: Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) · 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: “Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.”