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Subcommittee advances bill shielding firearms manufacturers from out-of-state civil judgments
Summary
The Civil Justice Subcommittee voted to send House Bill 873, which would extend state-level protections for firearm makers against foreign and out-of-state civil judgments, to the full judiciary committee after testimony from the bill sponsor and an opponent.
April 2025 — The Civil Justice Subcommittee voted to send House Bill 873 to the full judiciary committee as amended, approving language that would expand state protections for firearm manufacturers and block state courts from recognizing certain foreign and out-of-state civil judgments.
Representative Fritz presented the bill, saying it would build on the General Assembly's 2023 action by further extending the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act to the state level. "These additions protect firearm manufacturers from foreign claims of civil liability," Representative Fritz said, adding that the bill would also broaden the list of manufacturers covered. He cited state industry data, telling the committee that Tennessee had about 8,000 workers in the firearms and ordnance industry and that the sector contributes roughly $1,100,000,000 annually to the state economy.
Drew Spiegel, a Vanderbilt University sophomore and a member of Students Demand Action who survived the Highland Park shooting, testified in opposition. Spiegel told the committee survivors had sued manufacturers and retailers over marketing and negligent sales after the Highland Park attack and argued those plaintiffs deserved "their day in court." He said, "Victims deserve fair access to justice and creating additional hurdles that prevent accountability runs counter to that." Spiegel urged the committee not to further shield manufacturers and retailers from legal responsibility.
Representative Fritz said the bill was aimed at protecting lawful businesses from a wave of lawsuits, noting the U.S. Supreme Court had agreed to hear related litigation in October 2025. After brief questions, the committee voted to advance the bill.
Votes at a glance: The clerk reported 5 ayes and 1 no; the ayes prevailed and House Bill 873 was sent to full judiciary as amended.
Background: Supporters framed the bill as protecting Tennessee manufacturing jobs and recruitment. Opponents said it would limit remedies for survivors of shootings and remove a pathway for civil accountability.
