Committee advances bill limiting product-liability claims tied solely to firearm features

Summary

CS for SB 17 48 would bar lawsuits that fault manufacturers solely because a gun lacks optional external features (like manual safeties). Sponsors said the measure prevents 'lawfare' against gun makers; opponents—law-enforcement groups and victims’ advocates—said it could hide engineering failures and restrict evidence available to juries.

The committee adopted an amendment clarifying that SB 17 48 preserves liability for manufacturing and design defects while barring claims that hinge solely on consumer preference for optional external features. Sponsors told the committee the bill prevents lawsuits that seek to punish manufacturers for offering a model without a preferred external feature. Opponents, including police associations and victims’ advocates, warned the bill could limit juries’ access to relevant evidence and shield dangerous products.

Testimony: Representatives of SIG Sauer and other manufacturers supported the bill, arguing it protects manufacturers from litigation seeking to second-guess lawful consumer choices. Opponents described cases alleging unintentional discharge and urged the committee to preserve full evidence for juries. The Florida Police Benevolent Association said it could not support the bill as written and planned meetings with sponsors to seek clarifications.

Outcome: The committee approved an amendment preserving product-liability claims for defects and reported the bill favorably by a vote of 7-3.