MontanaHB 80169th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House

Provide for the Montana Firearms Liability Clarification Act

Sponsored By: Shannon Maness (Republican)

Became Law

Guns and WeaponsLiabilityCourts

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Enforcement and fees for improper lawsuits

Montana’s Attorney General can enforce this law. If someone files a negligent marketing claim that breaks these rules, the court dismisses it and the filer must pay the defendant’s reasonable attorney fees and costs. A maker or seller harmed by a wrongful claim can sue for money damages and to stop the claim. If they win, they can also recover their reasonable attorney fees and costs.

Tighter limits on gun marketing lawsuits

The law blocks most negligent marketing lawsuits against gun and ammo makers and sellers. A claim can go forward only if all four are true: the ads targeted people banned from owning guns; the ads encouraged illegal gun use; the marketing directly and substantially caused the harm; and it willfully broke a law that explicitly regulates gun or ammo sales or marketing. The law also narrows the exception in federal law that lets some gun cases proceed. Only statutes that explicitly regulate guns or ammo and set clear, concrete duties qualify; general consumer or public nuisance laws do not.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Shannon Maness
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Brandon Ler
Republican • House
Theresa Manzella
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 191 • No: 101

House vote • 4/22/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 37 • No: 13

House vote • 4/18/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 35 • No: 9

House vote • 3/7/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 59 • No: 40

House vote • 3/6/2025