Will New York Drive Local Gun Makers Out Of Business?

The lyric may be about New York City, but some firearms manufacturers located in other parts of the state may find it difficult to “make it” in New York, at least after Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the first-of-its-kind liability bills into law earlier this month. It allows the public to hold gun manufacturers liable for their products creating a public nuisance and the harm the products may cause.

The law is likely to be challenged in federal court, as it would be in direct conflict with the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act that was signed into law in 2005. The legislation provided firearms manufacturers as well as licensed dealers with a high level of immunity from being held liable when crimes are committed with their products.

“The only industry in the United States of America immune from lawsuits are the gun manufacturers, thanks to George Bush and the NRA,” Gov. Cuomo said in a statement, essentially echoing a similar sentiment made by President Joe Biden earlier this year.