PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Oct 26, 2005
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on July 29, 2005. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act - (Sec. 3) 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, penalties, or other relief resulting from the criminal or unlawful misuse of a firearm. Requires pending actions to be dismissed.
Excludes from such prohibition actions: (1) brought by a directly harmed party against a person who transfers a firearm knowing that it will be used to commit a crime of violence or a drug trafficking 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 and 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; (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 where 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 injuries, or property damage; or (6) commenced by the Attorney General to enforce firearms provisions under the federal criminal code or the Internal Revenue Code. Permits a person under age 17 to recover damages authorized under federal or state law in a civil action that meets specified requirements.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
(Sec. 5) Child Safety Lock Act of 2005 - Prohibits the sale, delivery, or transfer by a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer of a handgun to any person other than a person with a firearms license unless the transferee is provided with a secure gun storage or safety device. Lists exceptions, including for U.S. and state agencies and for law enforcement. Grants immunity from a qualified civil liability action for a person who has lawful possession and control of a handgun and who uses a secure gun storage or safety device. Establishes as penalties for violations: (1) license revocation or suspension for up to six months; or (2) a civil penalty of up to $2,500.
(Sec. 6) Sets penalties for using or carrying armor piercing ammunition during and in relation to a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime, and for possessing armor piercing ammunition in furtherance of any such crime, that shall be in addition to the punishment otherwise provided for such crime.
Directs the Attorney General to conduct and report to the chairman and ranking member of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees on a study to determine whether a uniform standard for the testing of projectiles against body armor is feasible.
People & committees
Sen. Craig, Larry E. [R-ID] · R–ID
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Became Public Law No: 109-92.
Became Public Law No: 109-92.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Cleared for White House.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 283 - 144 (Roll no. 534). (text: CR H8990-8992)
House roll call 534 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 283 - 144 (Roll no. 534).(text: CR H8990-8992)
House roll call 534 · Individual votesThe previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule. (consideration: CR H9010)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on S. 397.
Rule provides for consideration of S. 397 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 493. (consideration: CR H8990-9011)
Rule H. Res. 493 passed House.
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 493 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of S. 397 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments.
Held at the desk.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Received in the House.
Passed Senate with amendments by Yea-Nay. 65 - 31. Record Vote Number: 219.
Senate roll call 219 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with amendments by Yea-Nay. 65 - 31. Record Vote Number: 219.
Senate roll call 219 · Individual votesConsidered by Senate. (consideration: CR S9374-9398)
Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S9217-9244)
Cloture motion on the bill presented in Senate. (consideration: CR S9087)
Measure laid before Senate by motion. (consideration: CR S9059-9087, S9087-9115)
Motion to proceed to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (consideration: CR S9059-9086)
Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (consideration: CR S8908-89027)
Cloture on the Motion to proceed to the bill invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 66 - 32. Record Vote Number: 206. (consideration: CR S8908-8909)
Senate roll call 206 · Individual votesMotion to proceed to consideration of measure withdrawn in Senate.
Cloture motion on the motion to proceed to the measure presented in Senate. (consideration: CR S8740-8741; text: CR S8740-8741)
Motion to proceed to consideration of measure made in Senate.
Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 15.
Introduced in the Senate. Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time. (text of measure as introduced: CR S1529-1530)
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1529)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Mar 9, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze S.397 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.
Examine S.397 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine S.397 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
Examine S.397 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.