New Gun Laws Challenge Decades of Industry Protection

Thu Oct 30 2025 16:56:02 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Ten states, including Connecticut, are passing new laws to hold gun manufacturers accountable for unlawful sales and prevent gun violence, challenging the longstanding federal immunity established in 2005.

In response to increasing gun violence, ten states have introduced legislation enabling lawsuits against gun manufacturers for negligence in preventing illegal sales. Connecticut's recent law is part of a broader effort to challenge the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, offering a new avenue for holding the gun industry accountable. Advocates argue these legal changes will encourage responsible practices, while opponents see them as unconstitutional and damaging to the industry.

HARTFORD, Conn. — Following decades of government protection for gun manufacturers, 10 states are now trying to hold these companies accountable through new laws that enable lawsuits for illegal firearms sales. Connecticut’s recently implemented law creates a path for legal action against manufacturers not actively preventing at-risk individuals from obtaining guns.

This move comes as part of a growing sentiment among blue states grappling with the impact of gun violence, with lawmakers aiming to chip away at the liability shield provided by the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act of 2005, which previously blocked such lawsuits.

Gun rights advocates express outrage, suggesting that these laws not only aim to penalize the industry unfairly but also undermine the long-standing legal framework designed to protect lawful commerce in firearms.

While gun control advocates argue these new regulations will ensure that gun sellers operate responsibly, the ultimate impact of these laws remains uncertain, especially as legal experts predict potential challenges ahead. The evolving legal landscape will be vital in addressing the balance between gun rights and public safety.