NSSF Applauds Kentucky Legislature's Move Against Frivolous Lawsuits Targeting Firearm Industry

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), representing the firearm industry, has expressed strong approval of the recent actions taken by the Kentucky legislature. This move comes in response to Governor Andy Beshear's veto of critical legislation designed to protect firearm manufacturers and retailers from frivolous lawsuits stemming from the misuse of firearms by criminals. On April 17, 2026, Kentucky's House of Representatives decisively voted 80-19 in favor of overriding the governor’s veto, while the Senate followed suit with a vote of 31-6.

The legislation in question, known as the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms (PLCAA) Clarification Act (HB 78), aims to provide legal immunity to those in the firearm industry against lawsuits that arise from unlawful misuse of products sold legally. This act bolsters existing federal protections outlined in the PLCAA. However, the necessity for state-level protections like Kentucky's HB 78 has become increasingly evident as certain courts have failed to uphold the federal law as Congress intended, prompting states with hostile attitudes toward gun ownership to create laws designed to circumvent the PLCAA and facilitate unwarranted litigation.

Lawrence G. Keane, Senior Vice President and General Counsel of NSSF, stated, “Kentucky's legislators are standing with the rule of law, and this veto override corrects the wrong Governor Beshear set into motion when he vetoed this commonsense legislation.” He emphasized that the governor’s veto was influenced by outside groups aiming to exploit judicial processes to impose gun control measures, unsuitable for a community that values individual responsibility.

Keane also pointed out the absurdity of holding firearm manufacturers accountable for actions committed by criminals, comparing their responsibility to that of bourbon distillers for drunk driving incidents. “Members of the firearm industry are no more responsible for the actions of criminals than Kentucky's bourbon distillers are responsible for drunk driving deaths.”

This situation highlights a growing trend of what Keane describes as “lawfare,” where legal channels are manipulated to harass and financially cripple the firearm industry through unjust lawsuits. With the legal landscape increasingly fraught with challenges aimed at undermining lawful commerce in arms, the passing of HB 78 marks a significant step towards safeguarding the rights and operations of manufacturers and retailers of firearms in Kentucky.

The NSSF has long been an advocate for firearm rights and the preservation of hunting and shooting sports, which have become part of the cultural fabric of many states, including Kentucky. Since its inception in 1961, NSSF has grown into a prominent trade association representing a wide spectrum of professionals and organizations within the firearm industry, including manufacturers, distributors, retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen organizations, and publishers.

As the firearm industry continues to face unwarranted pressures, the support shown by Kentucky's legislature not only fortifies the legal standing of the industry but also sends a clear message about the responsibilities of individuals versus the entities that legally supply the means for legitimate firearm use. The NSSF is thankful for the decisive actions taken by Kentucky lawmakers and looks forward to continuing the fight against unjust litigation that aims to undermine the rights of law-abiding citizens and business owners in the firearm community.

To learn more about NSSF and its initiatives, including legal support and advocacy for the firearm industry, visit nssf.org.