Oklahoma Senate Bill SB695

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Firearms; lawsuits against manufacturers; prohibiting certain action. Effective date.

Impact

The passage of SB 695 would significantly impact state laws surrounding gun manufacturers' liability. By removing local entities' ability to sue for damages, the bill centralizes legal authority regarding firearms liability at the state level. This means that any actions against manufacturers for their lawful products would be limited, potentially leading to fewer avenues for victims of gun violence or accidents to seek redress. The legislation comes amidst ongoing debates at both local and national levels regarding gun control and manufacturer accountability, with implications for public safety and community rights.

Summary

Senate Bill 695, introduced in the Oklahoma Legislature, aims to amend existing laws regarding the accountability of firearms and ammunition manufacturers. The bill specifically declares that lawful design, marketing, manufacturing, or sale of firearms and ammunition is not an unreasonably dangerous activity and does not constitute a public nuisance. This repositioning seeks to limit the ability of local governments and political subdivisions to pursue lawsuits against firearm manufacturers and dealers for damages related to their products, effectively reserving such authority solely for the state. Therefore, individuals and local governments would face restrictions when attempting to hold manufacturers liable for injuries or damages linked to firearms.

Contention

A notable point of contention regarding SB 695 arises from concerns about public safety and the rights of local governments. Proponents of the bill argue that it is essential to protect firearm manufacturers from unfounded lawsuits that could hinder their operations or unfairly assign blame for incidents involving firearms. On the other hand, opponents assert that the bill undermines local control and the ability of communities to address specific issues related to gun violence and the associated impacts. This ongoing debate highlights the broader discussion about balancing gun rights with community safety and accountability.