LEGISLATIVE SERVICES AGENCY
OFFICE OF FISCAL AND MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS
200 W. Washington St., Suite 301
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 233-0696
iga.in.gov
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
LS 6990 NOTE PREPARED: Feb 27, 2024
BILL NUMBER: HB 1235 BILL AMENDED: Feb 22, 2024
SUBJECT: Prohibited Causes of Action Concerning Firearms.
FIRST AUTHOR: Rep. Jeter BILL STATUS: As Passed Senate
FIRST SPONSOR: Sen. Freeman
FUNDS AFFECTED:XGENERAL IMPACT: State & Local
DEDICATED
FEDERAL
Summary of Legislation: This bill has the following provisions:
A. It provides that only the state of Indiana may bring or maintain an action by or on behalf of a
political subdivision against a firearm or ammunition manufacturer, trade association, seller, or
dealer, concerning certain matters.
B. It prohibits a political subdivision from otherwise independently bringing or maintaining such an
action. It specifies exceptions.
Effective Date: Upon passage; July 1, 2024.
Explanation of State Expenditures: The Office of the Attorney General should have adequate resources
to take any legal action. Any filings or continuation of an ongoing lawsuit against a firearm or ammunition
manufacturer, trade association, seller, or dealer would be at the discretion of the Attorney General.
Explanation of State Revenues:
Explanation of Local Expenditures: Except under certain conditions, local units of government would no
longer be permitted to bring or maintain any new or ongoing lawsuits against firearms or ammunition
manufacturers, trade associations, sellers, or dealers.
Additional Information – One lawsuit is active in state courts. The city of Gary filed a lawsuit against Smith
and Wesson Inc., Blythes Sport Shop, and other retail centers and manufacturers.
HB 1235 1 Explanation of Local Revenues:
State Agencies Affected: Office of the Attorney General
Local Agencies Affected: Local units of government
Information Sources: City of Gary, Indiana v. Smith & Wesson Corp., et al. 18A-CT-00181
Fiscal Analyst: Mark Goodpaster, 317-232-9852.
HB 1235 2