HB289 expands liability protections to include firearm and ammunition manufacturers, distributors, and sellers. It removes federal compliance requirements, clarifies that normal firearm or ammunition use is not a product defect, and bars government entities from suing over their lawful design, sale, or marketing. Courts must award attorney fees, court costs, and related expenses to defendants if such lawsuits are improperly filed.
The Louisiana State Senate passed HB289 on June 2, 2025 by a vote of 27 to 9. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because this bill correctly places liability on those who commit crimes, not on manufacturers whose products are lawfully made and sold. HB289 shields firearm and ammunition producers from abusive lawsuits designed to bankrupt the industry and effectively nullify the Second Amendment through the courts. Protecting lawful commerce in arms is essential to preserving the God-given rights referenced in the Declaration of Independence—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—and safeguarding the constitutionally protected right of the people to keep and bear arms. HB289 reinforces that government may not punish manufacturers for the criminal misuse of products by others.
United States Constitution
Second Amendment
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
United States Constitution
Fifth Amendment
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
United States Constitution
Seventh Amendment
In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
United States Constitution
14th Amendment Section 1
All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
