Right now, Florida lawmakers are considering HB 1551, a bill that would shield gun manufacturers from liability when they choose not to include certain safety features that are not explicitly required by federal law. This proposal is moving forward at a time when communities across the country are reeling from mass shootings, and when law enforcement agencies themselves are raising serious concerns about weapon safety.

Verified public testimony and court records show that the Sig Sauer P320 handgun has been linked to multiple alleged unintentional discharges, including an incident in 2023 where an Indian River County sheriff’s deputy was injured when his holstered weapon fired without a trigger pull. Following similar concerns, several law enforcement agencies in Florida and across the country have stopped using the P320 or begun evaluating alternatives.

Supporters of HB 1551 argue that the bill simply clarifies the law. But legal experts and law enforcement leaders have warned that many of these cases involve design defects, not manufacturing errors. Under this bill, families, injured officers, and everyday gun owners could lose their ability to seek accountability when a weapon is alleged to be unsafe by design.

Many Floridians own firearms responsibly and respect the Second Amendment. This is about gun safety, transparency, and accountability. When manufacturers know they can avoid responsibility for design choices, the incentive to prioritize safety weakens. That puts law-abiding gun owners, police officers, and bystanders at risk.

We urge the Florida House, the Florida Senate, and Governor Ron DeSantis to reject HB 1551 or amend it to preserve the right of injured people to hold gun manufacturers accountable for unsafe designs. Floridians deserve laws that put public safety first—especially when lives are on the line.

Sign this petition to stand up for responsible gun ownership, officer safety, and the basic right to seek justice when something goes wrong.