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Lawmakers Want to Hold Gun Sellers Responsible for Assault Weapons Damages

by KREX News Room
by Cori Coffin

Story Created: Feb 5, 2013 at 11:58 PM MDT

Story Updated: Feb 6, 2013 at 12:45 AM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - Jerry's Outdoor Sports has been around since 1985 and has seen its share of ups and downs in the industry.

But the most recently proposed Assault Weapons Responsibility Act has owner Jerry Stehman shell shocked.

"I'm just completely taken aback..." Stehman said.

The bill would hold gun manufacturers, sellers, owners and possessors legally liable for damage done by military-style assault weapons.

"It will deem these guns as unreasonably dangerous. It will not ban them. It will just hold
people strictly liable, strictly responsible for what occurs," said Democrat John Morse. The Senate president devised the proposal.

Stehman disagrees with Morse's sentiment.

"We never want to talk about holding someone responsible for their actions. How you could
hold me or a manufacturer responsible for what you, as an individual, do out on your own is
the most ludicrous thing I've ever heard of," he said.

The proposal has gun advocates wondering how far the line should be drawn.

"It'd be like selling that sling over there and they went out and hung themselves with it. That's
my fault?" questions Stehman.

The bill would treat any guns aside from handguns, bolt action rifles and shotguns as assault weapons.

Advocates of the act say these weapons have the power to kill in mass, so handing down more liability is reasonable.

Stehman believes that line of reasoning falls short. Shops can use discretion when selling firearms, however, an individual with harmful intentions can just as easily appear normal.

"I've called sales off in the past. I've maybe smelled alcohol on their breath or whatever. But I am not a person who knows what's going on in your head," he explained.

Stehman predicts that if approved, the measure would cripple local sales.

"They would literally shut this industry down because nobody can stand up against that."

Federal law currently protects firearms manufacturers and retailers from being held liable for incidents.

Democrats proposed several additional gun control and mental health bills Tuesday, including universal background checks, a ban on high capacity magazines, new mental health programs and prohibiting concealed weapons on most college campuses, stadiums and arenas.

Governor Hickenlooper has only endorsed the universal background check measure. He has not expressed his opinions on the others yet.

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Common Sense Seems Lost said on Thursday, Mar 28 at 10:28 PM

Based upon their theory I should be able to hold Chevrolet responsible for my granddaughters death as they should have know at some point in time a drunk driver would use their product and kill someone, just saying..

Strange logic? said on Wednesday, Feb 6 at 5:11 PM

So, are car dealers and breweries going to be responsible car crashes and drunk driving? I know that the pencil companies are responsible for my kids' misspelled words.

Anonymous said on Wednesday, Feb 6 at 12:29 PM

All these comments are so very odd....obvious that much passion is being stirred (manipulated) but the dominate theme is this: Firearms and the ability for the common person to stand up to a tyrannical gov were thought so highly of they were #2 on the 'list'. Yet here we are, with no due process, drone strikes on Americans, banks and corporations writing the laws at the expense of the commoners while never going to prison themselves after stealing trillions (libor) etc.....you gun nutters can proclaim 'Mulon Lube' or cold dead hands all you want, but you should stop fooling yourselves. If the citizens have stood for this so far, they will continue to take it and ask for more.

Floyd said on Wednesday, Feb 6 at 11:35 AM

Jeff,you are completely ignorant of the democrat agenda. When they get what they want, you won't like it either. The one world order is the most evil agenda ever to be brought against the people on this planet. That is what you voted for, not obama.

BAMBOOZLED said on Wednesday, Feb 6 at 10:59 AM

I SAW A MOVIE WHERE THE ONLY ONES WITH GUNS WERE THE POLICE AND THE MILITARY, IT WAS CALLED SCHINDLER'S LIST.

Richard said on Wednesday, Feb 6 at 9:58 AM

I'm pretty tired of being nice. So mr. Morse if you would please hold Eric Holder and Barack Obama to the same standard you can start the trial for murder in the first degree tomorrow. Brian Terry's parents will be in attendance I'm sure. Rosie got fat so ban spoons? How about we ban liberal morons for opening their mouth before brains engage? Sad to say this guy was in law enforcement? Why do cops have guns, it's so they get home safe at the end of watch, not for your benefit.

There you have it said on Wednesday, Feb 6 at 9:56 AM

The party of the ELITE has spoken. You little people can only have your rights if you can pay the ante for them. And if you don't like it, move out of the state, because we've rigged it fair and square.

Jeff said on Wednesday, Feb 6 at 9:16 AM

Hmm..I think we just had an election, and the Dems won, and will continue to do so. Maybe y'all should move to Texas if you don't like Colorado staying blue. Have a "blue"tiful day.

Ok said on Wednesday, Feb 6 at 9:13 AM

It's time to stop whining and start working on the politicians. Democrats have shown their true stripes. It's time to shrink their footprint in the WHOLE state of Colorado. The phrase "elected Colorado Democrat" ought to be an oxymoron. And we need to go after their little buddies in the media too.

taxedpayer said on Wednesday, Feb 6 at 7:36 AM

Lets hold lawmakers resposible for the assault on our wallets, VOTE THEM OUT OF OFFICE!!

Disgusted said on Wednesday, Feb 6 at 7:25 AM

I agree. The hack lawmakers should be held liable for any and all damages caused by their stupidity and greed, effective immediately! Look at what these dolts have done to the economy!

Diane said on Wednesday, Feb 6 at 7:24 AM

Well, if that is the case, then yes all the lawmakers should be held accountable for any/all laws broken!

What's Good for the Goose... said on Wednesday, Feb 6 at 7:06 AM

That proposal is one of the most ridiculous I have ever heard. Why not make Conoco liable for car crashes, or school districts responsible for graduates that can't make a living ?? Let's make these lawmakers, including the Governor, personally liable for any damages caused to any individual by virtue of their actions while in elected office. Vote stupid, pay the bill.

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