Rep. Harriet Hageman, U.S. Representative for Wyoming | Official U.S. House headshot
Rep. Harriet Hageman, U.S. Representative for Wyoming | Official U.S. House headshot
On February 6, 2025, Congresswoman Harriet Hageman introduced the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) Federal Jurisdiction Act. Senator Mike Lee is introducing a companion bill in the Senate. The proposed legislation aims to strengthen legal defenses against lawsuits targeting gun manufacturers, which some argue are intended to bankrupt these companies and undermine constitutional rights.
Rep. Hageman commented on the introduction of the bill: “Anti-Second Amendment activists have long used lawfare as a weapon to attack our constitutional rights. Throughout my time in Congress, I’ve consistently defended law-abiding gunowners. This legislation reinforces my commitment by ensuring radical gun-control advocates cannot hurt firearm manufactures by filing politically motivated cases in state courts.”
The PLCAA was originally enacted in 2005 to protect gun manufacturers and dealers from liability when their products are misused in crimes. However, a loophole allows many cases to remain in state courts rather than being moved to federal court. The current federal question jurisdiction statute requires that legal grounds for removal be apparent in the plaintiff’s complaint, which can limit defendants' ability to seek a federal venue.
This situation has allowed state attorneys general to craft lawsuits that avoid federal jurisdiction, keeping cases in state courts where they might advance a gun control agenda.
Alerts Sign-up