Committee backs bill limiting product‑liability suits tied to optional firearm features; amendment preserves design‑defect claims

The House Judiciary Committee on Thursday advanced HB 1551, a measure aimed at clarifying product‑liability law for firearms. Sponsor Rep. Ryan Duggan and industry supporters said the bill makes clear that a firearm ‘‘is not defective merely because it does not include certain optional safety features,’’ while opponents warned the measure could shield manufacturers from accountability.

An amendment (barcode 357083), explained by Duggan, was approved and retained language preserving design‑defect claims and stating that the law would apply only to causes of action filed after the effective date. Duggan said the amendment ensures "any pending litigation... would be unaffected" and that manufacturing and design claims "will be able to proceed." Representative Gottlieb and others questioned the bill; several members ultimately supported the amended language.

Public testimony was divided. Bobby Cox, senior vice president at SIG Sauer, said the bill prevents lawsuits that hinge solely on an absence of optional features and does not "absolve gun manufacturers from defective guns if they're found internally to be defective." Opponents, including a speaker representing law enforcement and plaintiffs' counsel, argued the measure could grant immunity to manufacturers and urged rejection.

A roll call recorded 13 ayes and 5 nays, and the committee reported HB 1551 favorably as amended. Sponsors said the amendment narrows the bill’s effect and preserves civil remedies for proven design defects.