Oklahoma
State Senate
OFFICE OF SENATOR JAY PAUL GUMM
Atoka, Bryan, Coal, Johnston & Marshall Counties
For Immediate Release: May 14, 2009
Sen. Jay Paul Gumm
Tort Reform Bill Includes Liability Protection for Gun Manufacturers
State Sen. Jay Paul Gumm said he was extremely pleased
that a tort reform provision he had authored for several years
was included in the lawsuit reform bill approved by the Senate
on Thursday. The provision would prevent a gun manufacturer from
being sued if their product was used in the commission of a crime.
“These are products that are legally manufactured and owned,
and it just makes good sense to make sure this liability protection
is part of our state law,” Gumm said. “We’ve
come close to getting this proposal to the governor’s desk
in the past, only to see it fall victim to politics. I’m
very optimistic about its chances this year.”
The Democrat from Durant said most firearm manufacturing facilities
are located in states hostile to gun ownership. In contrast, Gumm
pointed out most Oklahomans are strong advocates of the second
amendment right to own firearms.
“Whether it is for hunting or for self-protection, owning
firearms is part of Oklahoma’s heritage and culture,”
Gumm said. “In addition, we have one of the best gunsmith
programs in the nation at Murray State College.”
Gumm said firearm manufacturing is a multi-billion dollar industry
with high-paying jobs. Tort reform protecting manufacturers coupled
with the program at Murray State College would give Oklahoma a
greater edge in attracting those jobs.
“I’m exciting about the possibility we have to attract
an important manufacturing facility to our state. The jobs and
revenue such a facility would create would ultimately benefit
all of Oklahoma.”
For more information contact:
Sen. Gumm's Office - 405-521-5586
