The Arizona House of Representatives today passed an amendment, sponsored by State Representative Quang Nguyen (R-1), that extends liability protections to firearms manufacturers if their products were used unlawfully or in the commission of a crime. The floor amendment was successfully added to SB 1382, legislation sponsored by State Senator Wendy Rogers (R-6) that would deem firearms businesses as “essential” during a state of emergency. SB 1382,
“After witnessing sustained social unrest across the nation and the mounting campaign by the Biden/Harris administration and empowered Left in Congress to undermine the Second Amendment with a radical laundry list of executive and legislative actions, I recognized that now is the time to act in Arizona to ensure that businesses operating in our state are protected,” said Representative Nguyen. “Washington politicians may claim to support the Second Amendment, but their actions show otherwise as they move to dismantle the firearms industry and radically restrict the rights of law-abiding American citizens. We won’t let that happen in Arizona.”
Nguyen’s amendment prohibits a civil action from being brought against a manufacturer or seller of a firearm or ammunition for damages resulting from the criminal misuse of the firearm or ammunition, except in specified circumstances. It also requires the awarding of attorney fees and costs to the prevailing party in civil actions brought against the businesses.
The amended bill passed the House with all 31 Republican members, and no Democrat members, voting in favor of the bill to protect businesses in the state. It must be returned to the state Senate for final passage before it can be sent to the governor.
Quang Nguyen is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 1, which includes Prescott, and portions of Yavapai and Maricopa Counties. Follow him on Twitter at @QuangNguyenAZ.
One Response
Hopefully, Representative Nguyen will be in the Prescott Valley Days parade. He and his family’s story of success in America after being a refuge from war torn Viet Nam is remarkable. Quang’s character is strong and reliable as he weighs the critical issues facing Arizona and our nation.