Florida Update

REPORT: HEARING ON HB-449 - Gun Manufacturer/Lawsuits HB-449 GUN MANUFACTURER LAWSUITS (which we support) was heard by the Florida House Crime Prevention, Corrections & Safety Committee at 8:30 AM March 15, 2001 and PASSED by a vote of 7-1. HB-449 by Reps. Allan Bense & Jerry Paul is the House bill to stop governments from filing frivolous and reckless lawsuits against gun manufacturers. Both Rep. Allan Bense and Rep. Jerry Paul gave outstanding presentations in support of the bill and most members of the Committee spoke eloquently in favor of the bill. FLORIDA HOUSE CRIME PREVENTION, CORRECTIONS & SAFETY COMMITTEE ROLL CALL VOTE ON HB-449 (7 yes - 1 no) Rep. Gus Bilirakis, Chair (R) YES Rep. Aaron Bean, V-C (R) YES ** Rep. Sally Heyman (D) absent Rep. Bev Kilmer (R) YES ** Rep. Dick Kravitz (R) YES ** Rep. Mitch Needelman (R) YES ** Rep. Joseph Spratt (R) YES Rep. Dwight Stansel (D) YES ** Rep. Frederica Wilson (D) NO ** Indicates committee members who spoke eloquently in favor of the bill THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR HELP IN CONTACTING COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND URGING SUPPORT FOR THIS BILL. The next Committee reference for this bill is the HOUSE Council For Healthy Communities and no hearing has been scheduled yet. We will notify you as soon as the bill is scheduled for the next hearing. BILL SUMMARY: HB-449 CIVIL ACTIONS/GUN MANUFACTURERS Prohibits any lawsuit by, or on behalf of, the state, county, municipality, town, special purpose district or other political subdivision for damages, abatement, or injunctive relief resulting from the lawful design, marketing, distribution, or sale of firearms or ammunition to the public. Provides that the potential of a firearm or ammunition to cause injury, damage, or death is not a defective condition, whether the firearm or ammunition is discharged legally or illegally. Provides for the award of expenses and attorney`s fees.