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HR 9298

Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act

119th Congress Introduced by Sheri Biggs and 15 co-sponsors

HR 9298 would clarify and possibly broaden liability protections under PLCAA for firearms manufacturers, distributors, and retailers in civil lawsuits.

Introduced in House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 9298

Bill overview

  • Bill: HR 9298
  • Session: 119
  • Title: To amend the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act to clarify liability protections for firearms and associated manufacturers and retailers, and for other purposes.
  • Jurisdiction: United States
  • Status: Introduced in the House and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary on June 11, 2026
  • Sponsors: Co-sponsors Derek Schmidt and Glenn Grothman

Main purpose and intent

HR 9298 aims to modify the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) to alter the scope and interpretation of liability protections for firearms manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and possibly others in the firearm industry. The bill is framed as clarifying and potentially expanding or specifying protections under PLCAA, with references to “other purposes” that may include related provisions affecting liability standards, remedies, or procedural requirements for lawsuits involving firearms.

Key provisions and changes (as implied by title and summary)

  • Clarification of liability protections: The act would seek to clarify how PLCAA shields firearms manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and related entities from liability in civil lawsuits arising from the use of firearms by third parties, including criminal misuse or negligence theories.
  • Scope of protections: The bill may specify what activities are protected (e.g., manufacture, sale, distribution of firearms, or related services) and could address affiliate or successor entities, dealers, or trade associations.
  • Potential exceptions or limitations: While not stated in the brief summary, PLCAA amendments commonly either reinforce protections or carve out narrow exceptions (for example, for negligent or criminal acts by a manufacturer, or for claims based on straw purchases, misrepresentations, or illegal trafficking). HR 9298 could introduce or modify such exceptions, or tighten/expand standards for liability.
  • “For other purposes”: This phrase suggests additional provisions beyond liability protections, potentially addressing procedural aspects (jurisdiction, venue), enforcement, or related legal standards affecting firearm-related litigation.

Who would be affected

  • Firearms manufacturers, distributors, and retailers: Primary beneficiaries or targets, depending on how the clarifications are written, as their liability exposure under civil lawsuits would be shaped.
  • Industry and trade entities: Manufacturers’ associations or retailers’ groups could see impacts on litigation risk and compliance expectations.
  • Plaintiffs and plaintiffs’ attorneys: The ability to bring certain claims and the viability of lawsuits against firearm entities could be affected, depending on any narrowed or expanded protections.
  • Consumers and the public: Indirectly affected through potential changes in accountability, corporate practices, and product safety disclosures, depending on any new exceptions or requirements.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction: The bill was introduced in the House on June 11, 2026.
  • Referral: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary on June 11, 2026.
  • Next steps: Committee hearings, markups, and potential floor consideration would follow if the committee advances the bill. Any passage in the House would require passage in the Senate (with potential amendments) and signature by the President to become law.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Legal landscape: If enacted, HR 9298 could shape the availability and contours of civil liability claims against firearms manufacturers and retailers, potentially reducing exposure in some scenarios or clarifying existing protections.
  • Policy implications: The bill reflects ongoing congressional interest in the balance between gun industry protections and accountability in civil litigation.
  • Implementation: If clarified protections are broadened or narrowed, enforcement and litigation strategies may shift, affecting how courts interpret PLCAA in concert with state negligence, product liability, or consumer protection laws.

Note: The summary is based on the bill’s title, purpose, and basic action history. For precise provisions, text of the bill and committee reports would provide exact language, specified exceptions, definitions, and any new procedures.

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

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