Bill > HB78

This bill, titled the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms (PLCAA) Clarification Act of 2026, establishes significant liability protections for manufacturers and sellers of firearms and ammunition, referred to as "qualified products." It defines key terms such as "manufacturer," "seller," and "qualified civil liability action," which is broadly defined as any civil or administrative action seeking damages or other relief arising from the criminal or unlawful misuse of a qualified product. The bill's central provision prohibits these "qualified civil liability actions" from being brought against manufacturers, sellers, or their trade associations, effectively shielding them from lawsuits related to the criminal or unlawful use of their products by others. While the bill creates exceptions for specific situations like negligent entrustment or violations of certain federal and state gun laws that impose concrete obligations on manufacturers and sellers, it aims to prevent lawsuits based on general negligence or nuisance claims. The bill also outlines specific procedural requirements for any claims that do fall under the exceptions, including heightened pleading standards and expedited court processes, and grants the Attorney General enforcement authority. An emergency clause declares the bill effective immediately upon passage, citing the protection of Second Amendment industries as essential to fundamental liberty.