Revision: April 7, 2025, 9:32 a.m.
Sen. Gannon, Dist 23
April 2, 2025
2025-1481s
06/09
Amendment to HB 381-FN
Amend the title of the bill by replacing it with the following:
AN ACT exempting firearms and firearm accessories manufactured for in-state use only from the National Firearms Act and limiting liability for certain design features of firearms.
Amend the bill by replacing all after section 1 with the following:
2 New Section; Limitation of Actions Against Firearm Manufacturers. Amend RSA 507-D by inserting after section 5 the following new section:
507-D:6 Limitation of Actions Against Firearm Manufacturers.
I. In any pending or future product liability action involving a firearm, the manufacturer of the firearm shall not be liable in tort under any theory of defective product design, failure to warn, negligence, strict product liability, or any other claim solely based on the absence or presence of any of the following features:
(a) A magazine disconnect mechanism;
(b) A loaded chamber indicator;
(c) Authorized user recognition technology; or
(d) An external mechanical safety, including but not limited to a hinged, pivoting, or tabbed trigger safety.
II. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit liability for a firearm manufacturer in cases where the claimant establishes that the firearm contained an actual manufacturing defect or failed to operate in a manner consistent with the manufacturer’s express warranty or representations.
III. This section shall not alter or limit any other defense available to firearm manufacturers under RSA 507-D or any other applicable law.
IV. Definitions. As used in this section:
(a) "Firearm" shall have the same meaning as provided in RSA 173-B:1, XI.
(b) "Magazine disconnect mechanism" shall mean a mechanism that prevents a semiautomatic firearm from firing when the detachable magazine is not fully inserted in the firearm.
(c) "Loaded chamber indicator" shall mean a mechanism or feature intended to indicate to the user that a cartridge is in the firing chamber of a firearm.
(d) "Authorized user recognition technology" shall mean a mechanism, device, or technology applied to a firearm that prevents a user not authorized by the owner from firing the firearm.
(e) "External manual safety" shall mean a manually operated mechanism that, when engaged, blocks the trigger from functioning.
3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2026.
2025-1481s
AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill exempts firearms and firearm accessories manufactured exclusively for in-state use from the National Firearms Act and limits liability for firearm manufacturers regarding specific design features.