Senate gives approval to bill blocking gun lawsuit

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Legislation to derail St. Louis' lawsuit against the firearms industry cleared the Senate Thursday.

Senate President Pro Tem Peter Kinder, R-Cape Girardeau, has been pursuing the bill since the city initiated the litigation several years ago. The lawsuit attempts to hold the industry financially responsible for the social costs of gun violence.

Kinder has called "frivolous" the effort to punish the industry for the criminal misuse of its legal products by individuals.

Headed to House

With little debate, the bill passed 24-9 and moves to the House of Representatives, where it has died in recent years. With Kinder's fellow Republicans now in control of the lower chamber, he is more hopeful of the bill's chances of becoming law.

In addition to stopping St. Louis' lawsuit, which is pending in federal court, the bill would prevent any other city or county and the state itself from bringing similar actions.

During floor debate earlier in the week, opponents such as Senate Minority Floor Leader Ken Jacob, D-Columbia, said the bill would preclude individuals from bringing claims against the firearms industry.

However, Kinder said the legislation wouldn't prevent a person from pursuing a product liability lawsuit if injured by a defective weapon.

The bill is SB 13.

mpowers@semissourian.com

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