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HD 948

An Act relative to firearm industry accountability and gun violence victims’ access to justice

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jim Arciero and 15 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill removes federal liability shields for gun manufacturers, allowing victims to sue firearms industry companies for violence-related damages.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 948

Legislative bill overview

HD 948 would remove legal protections that shield firearm manufacturers and dealers from civil lawsuits by victims of gun violence or their families. The bill creates a carve-out from the 2005 federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), allowing Massachusetts residents to sue gun industry companies for damages related to injuries or deaths caused by firearms.

Why is this important

This bill directly addresses whether gun manufacturers and sellers can be held financially liable for harms caused by their products—a question that affects both victims' ability to recover damages and the business model of the firearms industry. If passed, Massachusetts would join a handful of states attempting to circumvent federal protections, potentially creating a template for other states and triggering significant legal challenges.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional and federal preemption challenges: The PLCAA was enacted specifically to prevent such lawsuits; the bill would likely face immediate legal challenges arguing federal law supersedes state legislation
  • Industry impact vs. public safety framing: Opponents argue this exposes manufacturers to bankruptcy from frivolous suits unrelated to product defects; supporters argue it creates necessary accountability for negligent marketing or unsafe designs
  • Scope definition: The bill's language on what constitutes actionable conduct (negligence, defective design, failure to warn) will determine whether suits target irresponsible sellers, manufacturers' marketing practices, or have broader reach

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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