WASHINGTON, D.C. (WTWO/WAWV)— Two Illinois Senators helped introduce a bill Monday that they believe will hold gun companies and sellers more liable in court.
Senator Tammy Duckworth(D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) along with the help of many others including senators, U.S. Representatives, and and more than 80 members of congress introduced the bill Monday. The bill is entitled the Equal Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act. They believe the bill will ensure victims of gun violence can get their day in court. It will also repeal the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) that was passed by Congress in 2005.
The PLCAA gives the gun industry a unique legal liability shield that protects manufacturers from lawsuits. They believe that repealing this will allow gun companies and gun sellers to face liability for acts of gun violence that threaten public safety.
“The needless gun violence that too many Illinoisans—and Americans across the country—experience is heartbreaking and not reflective of the kind of future my daughters or any of our young people deserve,” Duckworth said. “That’s why I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act, which will hold gun manufacturers accountable and bring justice to grieving families. I’ll never stop working for commonsense gun safety reforms.”
Congress originally stated that the reason for the PLCAA was that it was necessary to protect the gun industry from frivolous lawsuits. Due to this, though, the press release from the Senate states that numerous cases of gun violence victims around the nation have been dismissed based on the PLCAA, even when gun dealers acted in a way that would be negligent for other products.
“It’s unconscionable that the gun industry is shielded from the consequences of negligent behavior that would result in liability if this were any other product,” said Durbin. “Gun dealers and manufacturers do not deserve special treatment, and certainly not at the expense of the communities that are plagued by gun violence. By repealing this unjustifiable legal liability shield, this bill will allow victims of gun violence to seek justice and have their day in court.”
The legislation is endorsed by Brady, GIFFORDS Law Center, Everytown for Gun Safety, March for Our Lives, Guns Down America, Newtown Action Alliance, and Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund. For full wording of the bill, you can click here.
