No. CS/SB 1748
Filed under Criminal Justice.
Evidence in Civil Actions Relating to Firearms; Providing that the absence of certain mechanisms or features may not be used as evidence of a defective product design, negligence, a duty to warn, strict liability, or evidence to support similar claims, etc.
Plain English Summary
AI-GENERATEDThe bill creates a new statute, Section 790.3315, which restricts what evidence can be used in civil product liability lawsuits involving firearms.
Specifically, it prohibits plaintiffs from using the absence of certain safety mechanisms as proof that a firearm was defectively designed or that the manufacturer was negligent.
The affected mechanisms include authorized user recognition technology, external manual safeties, loaded chamber indicators, and magazine disconnect mechanisms.
This restriction applies to causes of action accruing on or after July 1, 2026, and does not limit liability for actual manufacturing defects or warranty failures.
AIProhibits plaintiffs from using the absence of specific safety mechanisms as evidence of a defective design or negligence in product liability lawsuits.
AILegally defines five specific firearm safety features whose absence cannot be used as evidence of a defect in civil actions.
AIClarifies that the new evidence restrictions do not limit liability if a plaintiff proves an actual manufacturing or design defect or a breach of express warranty.
AIApplies the new evidence rules only to causes of action that accrue on or after July 1, 2026.