Bill 118 hr 4184, also known as the Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act of 2023, aims to provide legal recourse for victims of gun violence by repealing the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA). The PLCAA, passed in 2005, shields gun manufacturers and sellers from liability in most cases where their products are used in crimes.
The Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act of 2023 seeks to hold the gun industry accountable for the harm caused by their products by allowing victims of gun violence to sue manufacturers and sellers in civil court. This bill would remove the legal immunity that the gun industry currently enjoys and allow victims to seek justice and compensation for the harm they have suffered.
Supporters of the bill argue that holding the gun industry accountable for the harm caused by their products is essential for promoting public safety and reducing gun violence. They believe that repealing the PLCAA will incentivize the industry to take greater responsibility for the safety of their products and encourage them to implement stricter safety measures.
Opponents of the bill, on the other hand, argue that repealing the PLCAA will open the floodgates to frivolous lawsuits that could bankrupt gun manufacturers and sellers, ultimately leading to a decrease in the availability of firearms for law-abiding citizens. They believe that the PLCAA is necessary to protect the gun industry from being unfairly targeted and held responsible for the actions of criminals.
Overall, the Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act of 2023 is a contentious piece of legislation that seeks to address the complex issue of gun violence in America by holding the gun industry accountable for the harm caused by their products. The outcome of this bill will have far-reaching implications for both victims of gun violence and the gun industry as a whole.