On May 29, 2025, the Connecticut legislature passed the Firearms Industry Liability Bill (HB 7042), which is intended to negate the immunity provide by the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA). HB 7042 applies to “firearm industry members” – anyone involved in the manufacture, distribution, importation, marketing, wholesale or retail sale of “firearm industry products,” which are defined to include firearms, unfinished frames or receivers, ammunition, and magazines.
HB 7042 is similar to the anti-PLCAA statutes already enacted by California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Washington. It requires the adoption of “reasonable controls,” which are defined as “procedures, acts and practices that are designed, implemented and enforced” to, among other things, “[p]revent the sale or distribution in [Connecticut] of a firearm industry product to a straw purchaser, a firearm trafficker, a person prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law, or a person about whom a firearm industry member has reasonable cause to believe such person is at substantial risk of using a firearm industry product to harm themself or another or of possessing or using a firearm industry product unlawfully.”
In addition to requiring the adoption of reasonable controls, HB 7042 prohibits advertising, marketing or promotions of “firearm industry products” in a manner that “would promote unlawful sales, promote unlawful use or promote unreasonable risk to public safety.” It authorizes civil lawsuits by the Connecticut Attorney General, Connecticut municipalities, and any “person who has suffered harm” because of a violation of its provisions. It authorizes the recovery of compensatory and punitive damages, restitution, costs, attorney fees, and injunctive relief.
HB 7042 has been transmitted to Governor Lamont for his expected signature. If enacted, the above provisions will go into effect on October 1, 2025, and be applicable to civil actions filed on or after that date. Connecticut Attorney General Tong issued a press release in which he noted that he is part of a coalition of sixteen attorney generals formed in 2024 with the intent of filing civil lawsuits against the firearms industry, and suggested that he is prepared to bring lawsuits against industry members pursuant to HB 7042 if it is enacted.
RenzulliLaw Firm will continue to monitor HB 7042 and similar legislation related to the firearms industry. If you have any questions, please contact John F. Renzulli or Christopher Renzulli.