Legislative declaration

(1) The general assembly finds and declares that: (a) The state of Colorado has a compelling interest in protecting the life, health, safety, and well-being of Colorado residents; (b) Unlawful and irresponsible conduct by the firearm industry poses significant risks to the life, health, safety, and well-being of Colorado residents; (c) Our state and our nation have a long-standing historical tradition of prescribing standards of responsible conduct and accountability for industries whose business practices may cause harm to the public; (d) The federal "Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act" preserves states' critical authority to enact laws prescribing and enforcing standards of responsible conduct and accountability for firearm industry members; (e) It is the policy of this state that firearm industry members have a duty and responsibility to follow Colorado law, including not engaging in unfair or deceptive trade practices in violation of the "Colorado Consumer Protection Act", article 1 of this title 6; and (f) It is further the policy of this state that victims harmed by firearm industry members' wrongful and unlawful conduct, and public officials acting on behalf of the people of Colorado, shall not be barred from pursuing civil actions seeking appropriate justice and fair remedies for those harms in court, including civil actions for harms caused by negligent entrustment of firearm industry products, consistent with any limitations or immunities otherwise provided in state or federal law. (2) It is further the policy of this state that product liability for injury, damage, or death caused by the discharge of a firearm or ammunition is not based upon the inherent potential of a firearm to cause injury, damage, or death when discharged. It shall be the further policy of this state that a civil action in tort for any remedy arising from physical or emotional injury, physical damage, or death caused by the discharge of a firearm is not based upon the inherent potential of a firearm to cause injury, damage, or death when discharged.