Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced the formation of a multistate coalition aimed at holding the firearms industry accountable for practices that contribute to gun violence. This coalition includes 18 attorneys general and seeks to reduce gun violence by enforcing civil liability and consumer protection laws across different states.

"Gun violence is a national issue that demands a united response, and we will work to eliminate reckless practices that endanger our citizens," stated Attorney General Bonta. He criticized the previous administration's approach to gun safety, emphasizing that the coalition's goal is to protect communities without infringing on responsible gun ownership. "We will hold firearm industry members accountable for dangerous and illegal business practices that fuel gun violence and put profits over people’s lives and safety."

The coalition focuses on manufacturers, distributors, and sellers within the firearms industry whose actions lead to unlawful sales, trafficking, and other risks. Several states have already taken legal action against such practices:

- In 2021, California's Attorney General joined with San Francisco's District Attorney in suing three ghost gun kit manufacturers. The case concluded in 2024 with a judgment prohibiting these sales in California and imposing $675,000 in penalties.

- New Jersey filed lawsuits in 2024 against gun stores for selling to unverified buyers and failing to secure weapons properly.

- Maryland's Attorney General Anthony G. Brown collaborated with D.C.'s Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb in September 2024 to sue dealers who sold firearms illegally.

- Washington D.C. secured a $4 million judgment against Polymer80 in 2022 for misleading claims about their products' legality.

- Minnesota sued Fleet Farm in 2022 for negligent firearm sales.

- Washington state imposed a $3 million penalty on a retailer for selling large-capacity magazines unlawfully.

The coalition comprises states including California, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington State, and Wisconsin.