Blumenthal, Murphy call For repeal of PLCAA

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy introduced legislation Thursday that would allow victims of gun violence to sue the gun industry.

The legislation, which is being called the Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act, would repeal the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) passed by Congress in 2005.

The PLCAA provides gun manufacturers and sellers with immunity from civil liability lawsuits. It’s what caused the dismissal of a lawsuit brought by 10 families of victims wounded or murdered in 2012 by the gunman at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

The families argued that Remington, the manufacturer of the AR-15 used by the gunman, was liable for the massacre of 26 first-graders and educators. But the case was dismissed in October 2016 when a judge ruled that Remington is protected by federal law against claims when people misuse firearms.

The case has been appealed to the Connecticut Supreme Court. Oral arguments have yet to be scheduled.

“When 10 Sandy Hook families courageously took the manufacturer and distributor of the AR-15 used in that horrific tragedy to court, the deceptively named Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act was used as a complete barrier to their pursuit of justice,” Blumenthal said. “That’s because under current law — and unlike virtually every other manufacturer of consumer products — the gun industry cannot be sued by consumers who are harmed by their products.”

Murphy took it a step further.

“Making the gun industry immune from lawsuits effectively handed them a license to kill,” Murphy said. “Toy manufacturers are held legally responsible if their neglect or irresponsibility hurts people, so why on earth aren’t gun manufacturers? I challenge my colleagues to put the safety of our constituents ahead of the gun lobby’s interests and support this bill.”

Read more at CTNewsJunkie.com.