What does Preamble of Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act do?

This bill proposes to amend the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. The stated purpose is to clarify liability protections for firearms and associated manufacturers and retailers.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act do?

This Act is formally titled the "Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act".

What does CLARIFYING THE BROAD SCOPE OF IMMUNITY AGAINST QUALIFIED CIVIL of Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act do?

This section amends Section 3 of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. The amendment removes subsection (b) of the existing law. It replaces the removed subsection with a provision requiring the dismissal of pending qualified civil liability actions. This dismissal applies to actions pending on the enactment date of the Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act.

What does UPDATING DEFINITIONS TO HALT THE SPREAD OF FRIVOLOUS LAWSUITS. of Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act do?

This section amends Section 4 of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) to update definitions related to firearms, ammunition, and related products. The definition of 'engaged in the business' is revised to specify devoting time, attention, and labor to the sale, manufacture, or importation of a qualified product as a regular course of trade or business. A new definition of 'proximate cause' is added, stating it means the plaintiff was directly injured by the allegedly unlawful conduct of the defendant. The definition of 'qualified civil liability action' is established, outlining actions against manufacturers or sellers of qualified products resulting from criminal or unlawful misuse, with several exceptions. Exceptions to 'qualified civil liability action' include claims against those convicted under specific laws, negligent entrustment claims, and claims based on violations of specific statutes with concrete obligations. The definition of 'seller' is clarified to include importers, dealers, and those engaged in selling ammunition or other qualified products. Foreign states or governments are prohibited from bringing civil actions against manufacturers or sellers of qualified products related to criminal misuse.

What does PROCEDURE FOR REMOVAL AND DISMISSAL. of Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act do?

This section amends the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act to establish a procedure for removal and dismissal of qualified civil liability actions. Manufacturers, sellers, or trade associations may remove actions pending in State court to federal district court if they assert the action is a qualified civil liability action. Federal district courts have jurisdiction over removed actions if the defendant makes a colorable assertion of a qualified civil liability action. After removal, defendants have 30 days to file a motion to dismiss. District courts retain discretion to resolve remaining claims even after dismissal of claims barred by the Act, considering judicial economy and fairness. Orders remanding cases to State court are immediately reviewable on appeal. Claims against manufacturers, sellers, or trade associations based on exceptions to immunity must be pleaded with particularity, including facts establishing scienter and proximate cause. Plaintiffs must allege particularized facts demonstrating the defendant's proximate cause of the damages. Defendants can immediately appeal orders denying motions to dismiss based on this Act. Prevailing defendants asserting immunity under this Act are entitled to reasonable attorney's fees and court costs.

What does PREEMPTION. of Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act do?

This section amends the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. It adds a new section, 3B, regarding preemption. The new section preempts state and local laws that impose liability on qualified product manufacturers, sellers, and trade associations. This preemption applies to laws allowing civil, administrative, or other proceedings for damages related to the criminal misuse, alteration, or modification of a qualified product.

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Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act

Last updated: 6/11/2026 · Introduced: 6/11/2026

Author: Derek Schmidt (R-KS)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill amends the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act to dismiss pending civil liability actions against firearms manufacturers and retailers.
It revises definitions related to firearms and liability, establishing a stricter standard for proving proximate cause and defining 'qualified civil liability actions' to exclude certain claims.
The bill preempts state and local laws that impose liability on firearms manufacturers, sellers, and trade associations for damages related to the criminal misuse of their products.

119th Congressin committeeS. 4775(In Committee)Official page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 4 more.

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