California Assembly Opens Door To Reckless Lawsuits

Despite the best efforts of NRA members statewide, the California State Assembly voted 27 August to strip lawful firearm manufacturers of their limited statutory immunity from lawsuits. Assembly Bill 496 passed on a vote of 41-33.

Since 1983, firearm manufacturers have been protected under California law from frivolous lawsuits that attempt to blame them for misuse of their products by criminals. If signed by the Governor, AB 496 will revoke that protection; if that occurs the floodgates will be opened for ridiculous lawsuits that seek to bankrupt American gun companies.

In passing AB 496, the Assembly chose to ignore a nationwide trend and instead dance to a tune called by greedy trial lawyers and their lobbyists. Only days ago, the North Carolina Legislature enacted the very protections that AB 496 will rescind.

While Governor Gray Davis (D) voted against the original 1983 law, he has said in the past that he thought California had enacted enough gun legislation during his term as Governor. You can still help by contacting Governor Davis. Remind him of his statement, and tell him that reckless lawsuits do nothing to reduce crime or save lives. You can reach the Governor`s office at (916) 445-2841, or e-mail him by clicking Here.

To find out how your Assemblyman voted on AB 496, click here (if you are unsure, enter your Zip Code at right to find out who your Assemblyman is).