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H.R.737 / 103rd Congress

Strict Liability for Safer Streets Act of 1993

Subcommittee Hearings Held.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Feb 2, 1993

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Strict Liability of Manufacturers and Importers of Handguns and Assault Weapons Title II: Report to Victims on Federal Crimes Committed With Firearms Title III: Revenue Provisions Strict Liability for Safer Streets Act of 1993 - Title I: Strict Liability of Manufacturers and Importers of Handguns and Assault Weapons - Authorizes any person suffering bodily injury, death, or property damage as a result of the discharge of a handgun or an assault weapon (weapon) to bring an action against any manufacturer or importer of such weapon for damages and such other relief as the court deems appropriate in U.S. district court. Specifies that each such defendant shall be held strictly liable in tort for all direct and consequential damages arising from bodily injury, death, and property damage proximately resulting from the discharge of the weapon, with exceptions for: (1) injury while committing a felony; (2) self-inflicted injury; (3) injury by a law enforcement officer; (4) injury by a member of the U.S. armed forces; and (5) injury by a security guard. Authorizes the court to allow the prevailing party to recover a reasonable attorney's fee. Sets a two-year statute of limitations that begins with the date the injury is discovered. Makes this title applicable only to weapons manufactured in or imported into the United States after the effective date of this Act. Title II: Report to Victims on Federal Crimes Committed with Firearms - Requires the U.S. attorney prosecuting a case, after a conviction is obtained in any Federal court of a crime during or in relation to which an individual was injured or killed by a firearm, to report on whether title I of this Act applies to the firearm, to the individual, or, if the individual is dead, to the closest relative of the individual (or, if there is no such relative, the estate of the individual). Title III: Revenue Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the tax on firearms. Imposes a floor stock tax on specified firearms. Establishes in the Treasury a Hospital Gunshot Cost Relief Trust Fund to assist hospitals located in urban areas in defraying costs incurred in providing medical care to gunshot victims who are not covered under any health plan.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Reynolds, Mel [D-IL-2] · D–IL

Committees

  • Ways and Means Committee
  • Judiciary Committee
16 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Subcommittee Hearings Held.

  2. Referred to the Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures.

  3. Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime and Criminal Justice.

  4. Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

  5. Referred to the House Committee on Judiciary.

  6. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H319-320)

  7. Introduced in House

  8. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

Source last updated: Aug 26, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.737 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

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