Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act

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.