CONGRESS FOR VOTERS

Derek Schmidt (R-KS)

Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act

H.R. 9298 · House bill Crime and Law Enforcement

A Republican bill with 127 Republican cosponsors · See all 127 cosponsors

Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

In committee

Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.

The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.

Its path through Congress

  1. Introduced
  2. In Committee

What this bill would do

This bill is titled the Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act and makes changes to liability protections for firearms and associated manufacturers and retailers. It requires courts to immediately dismiss any pending qualified civil liability actions on the date of enactment, as stated in Section 2. The bill updates definitions and procedures related to lawsuits against firearm and ammunition manufacturers, sellers, and trade associations. It adds a formal procedure for moving these cases from state courts to federal district courts and mandates the dismissal of protected claims. Additionally, Section 5 outlines that the provisions of this Act explicitly preempt any state and local laws that impose liability on these manufacturers and sellers.

Yes· 3 of 5

  • Scored +8

    Would business owners be better off under this?

    Significantly reduces legal liability and allows recovery of attorney's fees for firearm business owners.

  • Scored +6

    Does this give the federal government more power?

    Expressly preempts state and local laws that impose liability on firearm manufacturers.

  • Scored +6

    Does this protect the right to own guns?

    Protects the firearm industry from lawsuits, which supports the continued availability and manufacture of firearms.

The opposite· 3 of 4

  • Scored -8

    Does this put more limits on buying or owning guns?

    Broadly expands immunity for firearm manufacturers, making it harder to hold them accountable via civil litigation.

  • Scored -7

    Does this leave more decisions to the states?

    Reduces the authority of states to regulate and seek damages from firearm manufacturers through local laws.

  • Scored -7

    Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?

    Restricts the ability of consumers to sue manufacturers for damages arising from the misuse of products.