Utah is strengthening protections for its firearms industry. House Bill 214, signed by Republican Gov. Spencer Cox, ensures that gun manufacturers, sellers, and trade associations cannot be held liable for the criminal misuse of lawful products. The law also prevents local governments from enacting legislation that would allow such lawsuits.

The National Rifle Association praised the move, saying the bill demonstrates Utah’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting law-abiding citizens. Cox had previously signed House Bill 314, eliminating redundant state paperwork for firearms dealers and reducing administrative burdens.

Nephi Cole, director of government relations for the National Shooting Sports Foundation, lauded Utah lawmakers for safeguarding the industry against “lawfare,” the use of lawsuits to advance gun control. “With Governor Cox’s signature, Utah is making clear that gun control advocates will not be allowed to launch junk lawsuits against the firearm industry,” Cole said.

House Bill 214 clarifies liability. Utah state Rep. Jordan Teuscher, the bill’s sponsor, emphasized that firearm manufacturers should only be responsible for harms they directly cause. “If they manufacture a weapon and someone goes out and uses it to commit a crime, they shouldn’t be the ones responsible,” Teuscher said.

Kentucky is considering a similar measure. State Rep. TJ Roberts said lawmakers must ensure that criminals, not lawful gun sellers, are held accountable. “Whenever it comes to someone who followed the law and sold a firearm, and it is later used in a crime, the criminal is the person who should be held accountable,” Roberts said.

House Bill 214 passed the Utah House and now becomes law, signaling the state’s continued support for Second Amendment protections and the firearm industry.