Liability allows a person or entity to bring a lawsuit for damages against firearm industry members.
- Individuals and entities have the ability to file lawsuits seeking damages against firearm industry members.
- Firearm manufacturers are held accountable for how they market and sell their products, similar to the responsibilities of firearm owners.
- Previously, HB00-1208, a law passed in 2000, restricted product liability cases against firearm and ammunition manufacturers to instances of design or manufacturing defects.
- In 2023, Colorado enacted SB23-168, a law that expands the scope of lawsuits against firearm manufacturers, making it easier for victims to pursue legal action for a wider range of reasons.
Applicable State Laws
Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) are posted on the Colorado Legal Resources Public Access Website.
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Gun Violence Victims’ Access to Judicial System: C.R.S. 6-27-101
Effective Date: October 1, 2023. Signed into law on April 28, 2023.
- Repeals a law that previously limited product liability actions against firearm and ammunition manufacturers to cases involving defects in design or manufacture.
- Requires firearm industry members engaged in manufacturing, distribution, importation, marketing, or sale of industry products in Colorado to establish and implement reasonable controls and precautions, also known as the firearm industry standards of responsible conduct. (C.R.S. 6-27-104)
- Individuals have the right to pursue legal action if they suffer harm because of an industry member's violation of the firearm industry standards of responsible conduct.
- Legal action can be initiated within five years from the date of the violation or harm incurred