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H.R.800 / 109th Congress

Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act

Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E2162-2163)

Official summary

Version 17 · Reported to House with amendment(s) · Jun 14, 2005

Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act - Prohibits a qualified civil liability action from being brought in any state or federal court against a manufacturer or seller of a firearm, ammunition, or a component of a firearm that has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce (or against a trade association of such manufacturers or sellers) for damages, punitive damages, injunctive or declaratory relief, abatement, restitution, fines, or penalties, or other relief, resulting from the criminal or unlawful misuse of a firearm. Requires pending actions to be dismissed. Excludes actions: (1) brought against a person who has been convicted of transferring a firearm knowing that it would be used to commit a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime, by a party directly harmed by such crime; (2) brought against a seller for negligent entrustment or negligence per se; (3) in which a manufacturer or seller of a firearm knowingly violated a state or federal statute applicable to the sale or marketing of the firearm, if the violation was a proximate cause of the harm for which relief is sought; (4) for breach of contract or warranty in connection with the purchase of the firearm; or (5) for death, physical injuries, or property damage resulting directly from a defect in design or manufacture of the firearm when used as intended or in a reasonably foreseeable manner, except that if the discharge was caused by a volitional act that constituted a criminal offense, such act shall be considered the sole proximate cause of any resulting death, personal injury, or property damage.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Stearns, Cliff [R-FL-6] · R–FL

Committees

  • Judiciary Committee
257 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.

  1. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E2162-2163)

  2. Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 70.

  3. Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 109-124.

  4. Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 109-124.

  5. Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 22 - 12.

  6. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  7. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  8. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  9. Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law Discharged.

  10. Subcommittee Hearings Held.

  11. Referred to the Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law.

  12. Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

  13. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H590)

  14. Introduced in House

  15. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Objective

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Fairness and public impact

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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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