Bills/H.R. 544

To provide a private right of action against the maker of any component of a ghost gun, and any person who facilitated a sale of the ghost gun, for injury or death resulting from the use of the ghost gun.

To provide a private right of action against the maker of any component of a ghost gun, and any person who facilitated a sale of the ghost gun, for injury or death resulting from the use of the ghost gun.

In CommitteeJudiciaryHouseHouse Bill · 119th Congress
Bill Progress · House
Introduced
Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate
Passed Both
Signed

Plain Language Summary

# Summary of HR 544 **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would allow people injured by "ghost guns" (firearms without serial numbers) to sue the manufacturers of gun components and anyone who helped sell the weapon. Currently, federal law generally protects gun manufacturers from liability lawsuits. This bill creates an exception specifically for ghost guns, giving victims or their families the legal right to pursue damages in court. **Who It Affects** The bill would primarily affect manufacturers of firearm components, dealers who sell ghost gun parts, and potentially individuals who assemble or distribute ghost guns.

It could also impact victims of crimes or accidents involving unserialized firearms, who would gain a new legal avenue to seek compensation. Gun rights advocates and manufacturers would likely oppose it, while gun safety advocates would likely support it. **Current Status** HR 544 was introduced by Representative Ritchie Torres (D-NY) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House. No action has been taken to advance it further at this time.

CRS Official Summary

This bill establishes a private right of action against a maker of any component of a ghost gun or any person who facilitated any sale of a ghost gun. A ghost gun is a firearm that lacks a unique serial number.

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Latest Action

January 16, 2025

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Subjects

Civil actions and liabilityCrime victimsFirearms and explosivesRetail and wholesale trades

Sponsor

Key Dates

Introduced
January 16, 2025
Last Updated
January 16, 2025
Read Full Text on Congress.gov →
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