Bill > H2672

This bill introduces the Gun Violence Victims' Access to Justice Act, which establishes new legal standards and accountability measures for the firearm industry in Massachusetts. The legislation creates a comprehensive framework defining "firearm industry members" and "firearm industry products" and establishes specific standards of responsible conduct for businesses involved in manufacturing, distributing, importing, marketing, or selling firearms and related products. Key provisions require industry members to implement reasonable controls to prevent sales to prohibited individuals, straw purchasers, or potential firearm traffickers, and prohibit designing or marketing products in ways that could promote illegal modifications or target minors. The bill allows victims of gun violence or the state Attorney General to bring civil actions against firearm industry members who violate these standards, with potential remedies including injunctive relief, compensatory and punitive damages, and attorney's fees. The legislation emphasizes that an intervening act by a third party (such as a criminal misusing a firearm) does not automatically absolve industry members of liability if their conduct created a reasonably foreseeable risk of harm. Notably, the bill preserves the right to pursue legal actions under other existing laws and is designed to be consistent with state and federal constitutional requirements, with a provision ensuring that if any part of the act is found invalid, the remaining provisions will remain in effect.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2672