Connecticut lawmakers are deliberating a new bill that would permit civil lawsuits against gun manufacturers and dealers if their firearms are involved in criminal activities. Local gun sellers voiced strong opposition during a recent Judiciary Committee hearing, with one shop owner raising concerns about the financial implications, stating that such a law could threaten the existence of as many as 650 gun shops statewide due to potential insurance issues.
Advocates for the bill, including representatives from the Gifford Law Center, argue that similar laws in other states have not led to a reduction in gun sellers. New York was the first state to implement civil liability for gun dealers in 2021, aiming to hold the industry accountable for their products. As Connecticut considers this legislation, the broader implications on the state’s gun economy and public safety policy are under scrutiny.
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