Last night, the Maryland General Assembly adjourned sine die from its 2024 legislative session. On the last day of the session, The Gun Industry Accountability Act, HB 947, was passed and is now headed to the Governor’s desk. The bill will subject firearm industry members to frivolous lawsuits by creating a civil cause of action for violations. The legislation requires industry members to establish and implement controls based on vague and unenumerated standards of conduct pertaining to the marketing, importation, and distribution of firearms and firearm-related products. The Maryland Attorney General, a county attorney, or the Baltimore City Solicitor may bring a cause of action against any firearm industry member for any harm arising under this bill.
It was passed with the intention to make it more difficult for firearm industry members to operate in the State of Maryland. Complying with the vague standards set forth in the language will be costly for the firearm business community and will ultimately increase costs for consumers. Litigation against industry members is likely to increase after the bill is signed into law.
Please contact the Governor’s Office and urge him to veto HB 947.
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