Illinois Lawmakers Approve Bill Could Face More Legal Risks for Firearms Industry

CHICAGO (AP) – Under a bill approved by Illinois senators on Thursday, the gun industry, including gun dealers, could be sued for alleged violations of Illinois law, including marketing to youth.

The House previously approved the bill, and now says Gov. JB Pritzker, also a Democrat, will sign the bill into law. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raul (Democrat) spearheaded the proposal.

“Gun violence is a public health epidemic, and anyone who promotes the illegal use of guns or targets the sale of guns to minors contributes to the scourge of gun violence in our communities. ,” Pritzker said in a statement. “This law will ultimately protect Illinoisans from the predatory actions of the firearms industry.”

During Thursday’s Senate vote, Republicans opposed the proposal, saying it was too broad and would open up challenges in court.

federal government Lawful Arms Trade Law ProtectionApproved in 2005, the law broadly exempts firearm manufacturers from lawsuits for injury resulting from the criminal misuse of their products. However, it does provide exceptions, including allegations that the manufacturer or seller has violated any state or federal law regarding the sale or marketing of firearms.

Democratic Senate Speaker Don Harmon of Oak Park said the proposal makes clear that the industry must comply with Illinois law, including a ban on selling guns to people under the age of 18. Harmon referred to the “JR-15” advertising campaign before Thursday’s vote. Rifle called the weapon “smaller, safer and lighter.”

“This is how people sell guns to our kids,” he says.