WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 5818

Creates a civil cause of action for the manufacture, sale, or distribution of assault weapons or ghost guns within the state

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Zellnor Myrie and 1 co-sponsor

Creates a New York private right of action against in-state manufacturers, sellers, or distributors of assault weapons or ghost guns, allowing damages and relief for victims.

REFERRED TO JUDICIARY
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 5818

Summary of S 5818 (New York or applicable jurisdiction)

Overview

S 5818 would create a civil cause of action inside the state against individuals or entities involved in the manufacture, sale, or distribution of assault weapons or ghost guns. The bill is currently in the Judiciary committee after being introduced on March 3, 2025.

Purpose and main intent

  • Establish a private right of action for victims or other aggrieved parties to sue manufacturers, sellers, or distributors of assault weapons or ghost guns within the state.
  • Provide Civil remedies potentially including damages and other relief, aimed at accountability for the production and sale of these weapons.

Key provisions (as indicated by the bill’s title and status)

  • Creates a civil cause of action specifically targeting the manufacture, sale, or distribution of assault weapons or ghost guns within the state.
  • The exact definitions of “assault weapons” and “ghost guns,” as well as the scope of the civil remedies (e.g., monetary damages, injunctive relief, attorney’s fees), would be set forth in the full text of the bill.
  • The bill would designate who may sue, allowable damages, defenses, statute of limitations, and any procedural requirements; these details are not specified in the summary provided.

Who would be affected

  • Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of assault weapons or ghost guns operating within the state.
  • Potentially individuals or entities who have been harmed by the manufacture, sale, or distribution of these weapons, who could bring civil actions under the bill.

Legislative status and timeline

  • Introduced: March 3, 2025.
  • Referred to Judiciary: March 3, 2025 (listed twice in the action log, indicating formal referral to the committee).
  • No enacted provisions or fiscal notes are included in the provided information.

Related and companion measures

  • Related Senate bills: S 8163 (prior-session) and S 4927 (prior-session).
  • Companion bill: A 1598 (listed twice as companion in the provided materials).

Next steps and considerations

  • The Judiciary committee’s review will determine the bill’s scope, definitions, and remedies.
  • Watch for the full text to understand liability standards, damages caps (if any), defensives, standing, and any preemption or interaction with existing gun laws.
  • Consider potential implications for manufacturers, retailers, and consumers, as well as any potential fiscal impact on the state’s civil courts.

If you’d like, I can incorporate the bill’s precise definitions and remedies once the full text is available and compare S 5818 to its related or companion measures.

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

Sign in to ask a question.