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Senate votes to limit gunmakers' liability
Associated Press
Published July 30, 2005
WASHINGTON - The Senate voted Friday to shield firearms manufacturers, dealers and importers from lawsuits brought by victims of gun crimes.
The 65-31 bipartisan vote saw 14 Democrats and all but two Republicans sign off on the bill. Supporters say the measure, long sought for by the National Rifle Association, will protect the industry from financial disaster and bankruptcy caused by damage lawsuits.
"This bill says go after the criminal, don't go after the law-abiding gun manufacturer or the law-abiding gun seller," said bill sponsor Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho.
Opponents said the gun industry needs no such special protection.
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., yanked similar legislation from debate last year when Democrats successfully attached an extension of the ban on assault-style weapons and the NRA dropped its support.
The House passed a similar bill last year but has taken no action on it this year.
Democrats won inclusion this year of a new requirement that each handgun be sold with a separate child safety or locking device, unless purchased by government officials or police officers. Violations could be punished by the suspension of a dealer's license, a $10,000 fine, or both.
Craig said the bill does not block gunmakers and dealers from facing product liability, negligence or breach of contract suits.
[Last modified July 30, 2005, 01:10:15]
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