House Bill No. [insert number] aims to amend existing laws regarding the civil liability of firearm and ammunition manufacturers and distributors in Louisiana. The bill expands liability protections to include distributors and sellers of ammunition, in addition to manufacturers and sellers of firearms. It stipulates that no manufacturer, distributor, or seller of firearms or ammunition shall be liable for injuries or damages resulting from the use of their products unless it can be proven that such injuries were caused by an unreasonably dangerous design or composition of the product. The bill also removes the requirement that firearms must be transferred in compliance with federal law to avoid liability and clarifies that the potential for firearms or ammunition to cause injury does not constitute a defect in design or manufacture.

Additionally, the bill preempts local authorities from bringing lawsuits against firearm and ammunition manufacturers, distributors, or dealers for damages related to the lawful design, manufacture, marketing, or sale of these products. It allows for exceptions in cases of breach of contract and establishes that if a governing authority violates this provision, the defendant may recover court costs and attorney fees. The proposed law also mandates that if a court finds a defendant not liable in a civil action, the court must award them attorney fees, costs, and compensation for any losses incurred due to the action.

Statutes affected:
HB289 Original: