This bill amends Louisiana law regarding the civil liability of firearm and ammunition manufacturers, distributors, and sellers. It clarifies that these entities are not liable for injuries, damages, or deaths resulting from the use of their products unless it can be proven that such outcomes were caused by an unreasonably dangerous design or composition. The bill extends liability protections to include distributors and emphasizes that the lawful manufacture and sale of firearms and ammunition is not inherently dangerous. Additionally, it specifies that manufacturers, distributors, or sellers cannot be held liable for failing to warn users about the potential risks associated with firearms and ammunition.

Furthermore, the bill preempts local governments from suing firearm and ammunition manufacturers, distributors, or dealers for damages related to the lawful design, manufacture, marketing, or sale of these products, reserving such authority exclusively for the state. It also includes provisions for awarding attorney fees and costs to defendants if a court finds that a civil action was improperly brought under this section. Notably, the bill removes previous language that exempted assault weapons from these liability protections.

Statutes affected:
HB289 Original:
HB289 Engrossed:
HB289 Enrolled:
HB289 Act :