This bill, titled the "PLCAA Federal Jurisdiction Act," amends the existing Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act to grant federal courts jurisdiction over specific civil liability cases. It establishes a process where a defendant, such as a firearm manufacturer, seller, or trade association , can remove a civil action from a state court to a federal district court. This removal is permissible if the defendant asserts that the civil action constitutes a "qualified civil liability action" under the PLCAA. Upon removal, the federal district court is empowered to review the case and determine whether it indeed meets the criteria of a qualified civil liability action. If the court finds that the action is qualified, it then has the authority to dismiss the civil action , thereby ensuring consistent application of PLCAA protections in federal jurisdiction.
Civil actions and liabilityFederal district courtsFirearms and explosivesJurisdiction and venueManufacturingRetail and wholesale trades
PLCAA Federal Jurisdiction Act
USA119th CongressS-484| Senate
| Updated: 2/6/2025
This bill, titled the "PLCAA Federal Jurisdiction Act," amends the existing Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act to grant federal courts jurisdiction over specific civil liability cases. It establishes a process where a defendant, such as a firearm manufacturer, seller, or trade association , can remove a civil action from a state court to a federal district court. This removal is permissible if the defendant asserts that the civil action constitutes a "qualified civil liability action" under the PLCAA. Upon removal, the federal district court is empowered to review the case and determine whether it indeed meets the criteria of a qualified civil liability action. If the court finds that the action is qualified, it then has the authority to dismiss the civil action , thereby ensuring consistent application of PLCAA protections in federal jurisdiction.