Bill · H.R. 544· House(119-HR-544)
To provide a private right of action against the maker of any component of a ghost gun, and any person who facilitated a sale of the ghost gun, for injury or death resulting from the use of the ghost gun.
- Introduced
- 1/16/2025
- Last activity
- 1/16/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Ritchie Torres
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill establishes a private right of action related to ghost guns. It allows individuals injured by a ghost gun, or the families of those killed, to sue certain parties for damages. It also permits states and political subdivisions to bring such actions in United States district courts. The targets of these lawsuits are the makers of any component of a ghost gun or any person who facilitated its sale. The bill defines a ghost gun as a firearm lacking a unique serial number engraved or cast by a licensed manufacturer or importer.
Yes
Does this put more limits on buying or owning guns?+6
The bill increases accountability for makers and sellers of untraceable firearms through a private right of action.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?+4
The bill provides victims of ghost gun violence a legal mechanism to seek damages in federal court.
Would people in cities be better off under this?+3
The bill allows political subdivisions to sue for damages caused by ghost guns, which may impact local public safety.
The opposite
Would gun owners be better off under this?-5
The bill imposes significant legal and financial risks on those facilitating the sale of unserialized firearm components.
Does this protect the right to own guns?-3
The bill creates new legal liabilities for those involved in the production and sale of certain firearms.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Legal Recourse for Victims: Individuals who are injured or the families of those killed by a ghost gun can bring an action in court for damages, which may include consequential damages (Section 1(a)).
-
Empowerment of Local Governments: States and their political subdivisions can bring actions for damages resulting from injuries or deaths caused by ghost guns (Section 1(a)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Liability for Makers and Sellers: Makers of ghost gun components and those who facilitate a sale can be sued for damages resulting from injury or death (Section 1(a)).
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Legal Exceptions for Defense: The bill includes affirmative defenses that could prevent certain parties from being held liable if the injury or death was caused by an individual acting in defense of safety or a law enforcement officer responding to a threat (Section 1(b)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Due Process+4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Gun Control Measures+6Improves Second Amendment Protections-3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Urban Residents+3Good For Gun Owners-5
- 1/16/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in House