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. The bill was introduced in the Senate on June 11, 2026.

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. It removes the existing subsection (b) and replaces it with a new subsection (b). The new subsection (b) mandates the immediate dismissal of qualified civil liability actions, including any claims within them, that are pending on the date of enactment 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 and liability. 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 product' now includes firearms, ammunition, and components or accessories intended for use with them, shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce. A new definition of 'qualified civil liability action' is established, outlining actions against manufacturers or sellers of qualified products resulting from misuse, alteration, or modification, with several exceptions. Exceptions to 'qualified civil liability action' include claims against those convicted under specific laws, negligent entrustment claims, and violations of specific federal laws. The definition of 'seller' is clarified to include importers, dealers, and those engaged in selling ammunition or other qualified products at wholesale or retail levels. 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 from state court to federal district court if they assert the action is a qualified civil liability action and make a colorable assertion of such. Federal district courts have jurisdiction over removed actions if the defendant makes a colorable assertion of a qualified civil liability action and may exercise supplemental jurisdiction over related claims. After removal, defendants have 30 days to file a motion to dismiss. District courts retain discretion to resolve remaining claims even after dismissal due to immunity, considering judicial economy, convenience, fairness, and comity. 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 was the proximate cause of the damages. Defendants can immediately appeal orders denying motions to dismiss based on this Act. Prevailing defendants asserting the immunity granted by 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 imposing 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: John Cornyn (R-TX)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill amends the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act to immediately dismiss pending qualified civil liability actions against firearms manufacturers and sellers.
The bill expands the definition of 'qualified product' to include firearms, ammunition, and related components, while also establishing specific definitions for 'proximate cause' and 'qualified civil liability action' with defined exceptions.
The bill preempts state and local laws that impose liability on firearms manufacturers, sellers, and trade associations for damages related to the criminal misuse, alteration, or modification of firearms.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 9298(In Committee)Official page

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

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