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Legislator says some lawsuits against gun manufacturers should be shot down

February 23, 2000
By: Francine Krantz
State Capital Bureau

A spokesman for one of Missouri's largest counties is speaking out against a bill blocking lawsuits against the gun industry. Francine Krantz has the story from Jefferson City.

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Jackson County lobbyist Michael Levota (la-vote-ah) says he opposes a bill that would make it harder for cities and other political entities to sue gun manufacturers.

Levota says the proposal's sponsors are trying to evade the courts through legislation.

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Contents: He says it's like a motion to dismiss has been filed, and that instead of going to the courts that have jurisdiction they instead went to Jefferson City.

Supporters of the measure say successful litigation against the tobacco industry paves the way for lawsuits against gun manufacturers. But they concede the bill would probably not be able to stop a pending lawsuit in St. Louis. From the state capitol, I'm Francine Krantz.

At least one lawmaker says he wants to curb litigation against gun manufacturers, but may be unable to stop a pending lawsuit in St. Louis. Francine Krantz has the story from Jefferson City.

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St. Charles representative Jon Bennett is sponsoring a bill that would prohibit political entities from filing future lawsuits against the gun industry.

Bennett says that state litigation against private enterprise is on the rise.

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Contents: He says he is concerned the tobacco lawsuit paves the way for other lawsuits in industries like firearms and alcohol.

Supporters of the measure concede that if passed, the bill may not be able to stop pending litigation. That means the city of St. Louis would not be hindered in its lawsuit against gun manufacturers. From the state capitol, I'm Francine Krantz.