Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Senate approves measure curbing state and municipal suits against gun makers after heated debate
Summary
After hours of debate, the Utah Senate voted 17–12 to pass House Bill 199, limiting suits by the state and its political subdivisions against firearms and ammunition manufacturers while preserving private breach-of-contract and warranty claims, according to sponsors. Opponents said the measure removes an important accountability avenue for governments.
The Utah Senate passed House Bill 199 on final reading after extended floor debate, approving a measure that prohibits the state and its political subdivisions from suing firearms or ammunition makers over subsequent lawful or unlawful uses of guns except where a suit is based on breach of contract or warranty.
Sponsor Senator Valentine defended the bill’s narrow scope, saying it preserves individual legal remedies. "Under this bill, it does not do anything to the private right of action," Valentine said on the floor, adding that breach-of-contract and warranty claims remain available to purchasers and municipalities when specifically damaged.
Opponents described broader…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
