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Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act

USA119th CongressS-4775| Senate 
| Updated: 6/11/2026
John Cornyn

John Cornyn

Republican Senator

Texas

Cosponsors (19)
Rick Scott (Republican)Bill Cassidy (Republican)Jim Banks (Republican)Cindy Hyde-Smith (Republican)James E. Risch (Republican)Cynthia M. Lummis (Republican)Marsha Blackburn (Republican)John R. Curtis (Republican)Tom Cotton (Republican)Lindsey Graham (Republican)Tim Sheehy (Republican)James C. Justice (Republican)Bill Hagerty (Republican)Chuck Grassley (Republican)Pete Ricketts (Republican)Steve Daines (Republican)Ted Budd (Republican)Mike Crapo (Republican)Shelley Moore Capito (Republican)

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill significantly amends the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) to strengthen liability protections for firearms and associated product manufacturers, sellers, and trade associations. It aims to prevent lawsuits arising from the criminal or unlawful misuse, alteration, or modification of qualified products by third parties. A key provision mandates the immediate dismissal of any pending "qualified civil liability action" upon the bill's enactment, retroactively applying its expanded immunity. The legislation broadens several definitions, including what constitutes a "qualified product" to encompass firearms, ammunition, and all component parts and accessories like magazines and optical devices. It also redefines "proximate cause" to require direct injury from the defendant's unlawful conduct, making it more difficult to establish liability. While maintaining limited exceptions for claims such as negligent entrustment or knowing violations of specific federal statutes, these exceptions are narrowed and explicitly prohibit lawsuits brought by foreign states or governments . Furthermore, the bill establishes new procedural mechanisms, allowing defendants to remove state court actions to federal district court if they assert immunity under the Act. It grants defendants the right to immediate interlocutory appeals if a motion to dismiss based on immunity is denied, and mandates that prevailing defendants be awarded reasonable attorney's fees and court costs. Finally, the Act expressly preempts any State and local laws that impose liability on the firearms industry for damages resulting from the criminal misuse of their products.
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Timeline
Jun 11, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-9298
Introduced in House
Jun 11, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Jun 11, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  • June 11, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-9298
    Introduced in House


  • June 11, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • June 11, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Crime and Law Enforcement

Related Bills

  • HR 119-9298: Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act

Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act

USA119th CongressS-4775| Senate 
| Updated: 6/11/2026
This bill significantly amends the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) to strengthen liability protections for firearms and associated product manufacturers, sellers, and trade associations. It aims to prevent lawsuits arising from the criminal or unlawful misuse, alteration, or modification of qualified products by third parties. A key provision mandates the immediate dismissal of any pending "qualified civil liability action" upon the bill's enactment, retroactively applying its expanded immunity. The legislation broadens several definitions, including what constitutes a "qualified product" to encompass firearms, ammunition, and all component parts and accessories like magazines and optical devices. It also redefines "proximate cause" to require direct injury from the defendant's unlawful conduct, making it more difficult to establish liability. While maintaining limited exceptions for claims such as negligent entrustment or knowing violations of specific federal statutes, these exceptions are narrowed and explicitly prohibit lawsuits brought by foreign states or governments . Furthermore, the bill establishes new procedural mechanisms, allowing defendants to remove state court actions to federal district court if they assert immunity under the Act. It grants defendants the right to immediate interlocutory appeals if a motion to dismiss based on immunity is denied, and mandates that prevailing defendants be awarded reasonable attorney's fees and court costs. Finally, the Act expressly preempts any State and local laws that impose liability on the firearms industry for damages resulting from the criminal misuse of their products.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Jun 11, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-9298
Introduced in House
Jun 11, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Jun 11, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  • June 11, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-9298
    Introduced in House


  • June 11, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • June 11, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
John Cornyn

John Cornyn

Republican Senator

Texas

Cosponsors (19)
Rick Scott (Republican)Bill Cassidy (Republican)Jim Banks (Republican)Cindy Hyde-Smith (Republican)James E. Risch (Republican)Cynthia M. Lummis (Republican)Marsha Blackburn (Republican)John R. Curtis (Republican)Tom Cotton (Republican)Lindsey Graham (Republican)Tim Sheehy (Republican)James C. Justice (Republican)Bill Hagerty (Republican)Chuck Grassley (Republican)Pete Ricketts (Republican)Steve Daines (Republican)Ted Budd (Republican)Mike Crapo (Republican)Shelley Moore Capito (Republican)

Judiciary Committee

Crime and Law Enforcement

Related Bills

  • HR 119-9298: Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted