To provide a private right of action against the maker of any component of a ghost gun, and any person who facilitated a sale of the ghost gun, for injury or death resulting from the use of the ghost gun.

This bill would let people sue over injuries or deaths caused by “ghost guns.” A ghost gun is a firearm without a serial number, including kits or parts meant to be put together into a gun. The lawsuit could target the maker of any component of the ghost gun, as well as anyone who helped sell it. Courts could award money for damages to those who win their case.

Who could sue includes someone who was injured, family members of someone who was killed, and the state or local government where it happened. There are limited defenses: the defendant can argue the harm was caused by someone acting in self-defense against an immediate threat, or by a police officer responding to an immediate public safety threat. Cases would be filed in the federal court where the injury or death occurred.

• Who is affected: people harmed by ghost guns, families of victims, state and local governments, makers of ghost gun parts, and people who help sell ghost guns.
• What changes: allows these people and governments to sue for money damages; defines ghost guns as guns without serial numbers, including parts kits; and sets narrow defenses for self-defense and police actions.
• When: would apply if this bill becomes law; cases would be brought in the federal court where the harm happened.