Bills › 89th General Assembly

Establishing which actions may be brought against firearm and ammunition manufacturers, distributors, importers, trade associations, sellers, or dealers

Topics:Courts & civil lawFirearms

Same legislation: HSB 116, HF 621, SF 514

Where it is now

  1. Done: IntroducedFebruary 11, 2021
  2. Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 17, 2021
  3. Done: Senate committeeMarch 2, 2021
  4. Skipped: Passes the SenateContinued as SF 514
  5. Next: House committee
  6. Next: Passes the House
  7. Next: To the Governor
  8. Next: Signed into law

Became SF 514 → Its progress continues under the new number. Go to SF 514 What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

AI summary This law limits the types of lawsuits people can file against companies that make or sell guns and ammunition. It prevents people from suing these businesses over how their products are designed or marketed, or for injuries caused by someone using them illegally. However, people can still sue if a product is defective, if a contract is broken, or to enforce specific rules.1

Read the official explanation

This bill establishes which actions may be brought against firearm and ammunition manufacturers, distributors, importers, trade associations, sellers, or dealers in regards to the manufacture, distribution, or sale of firearms and ammunition. The bill provides that the manufacture, distribution, or sale of firearms or ammunition by manufacturers, distributors, or dealers who are duly licensed by the appropriate federal and state authorities is a lawful activity and is not unreasonably dangerous, and that the unlawful use of firearms and ammunition is the proximate cause of any injuries arising from their unlawful use. The bill restricts the types of actions a person may bring against a firearm or ammunition manufacturer, importer, distributor, trade association, seller, or dealer by prohibiting actions against such a person when the theory of recovery relates to the lawful design, manufacture, marketing, or sale of a firearm or ammunition or injuries arising from the unlawful use of a firearm or ammunition. The bill provides that if a party has brought an action prohibited by the bill, the court shall dismiss the action and award the defendant reasonable attorney fees and costs. The bill provides that a person may bring a suit against a firearms or ammunition manufacturer, importer, distributor, trade association, seller, or dealer for breach of contract or warranty, damage or harm caused by a defective firearm or ammunition, and injunctive relief to enforce a valid statute, rule, or ordinance.

Changed since by amendment S-3086; see Amendments.

Full bill text · What changed before it passed2

Senate subcommittee

Named February 17, 2021. On February 25, 2021 it recommended passage.

Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part

Iowa Code it changes

Creates§683.1§683.2§683.3§683.4

How the Code works3

Lobbying

5 for · 13 against · 5 undecided · Who →

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