HF4820

Purpose

• The bill would require people who own firearms to obtain and continuously maintain a firearm liability insurance policy. The policy would cover damages that result from negligent or accidental discharges of a firearm, including death, injury, or property damage. The goal is to assign financial responsibility for those damages to firearm owners.

Main Provisions

• Definitions:
  • Firearm: any instrument designed to expel a projectile by gunpowder, combustion, or similar explosive force.
  • Insured: a person covered by a firearm liability insurance policy.
• Insurance requirement:
  • An owner must obtain and keep firearm liability insurance that covers damages from negligent or accidental discharge.
  • The insurer must pay on behalf of the insured the damages the insured is legally obligated to pay due to such discharge.
• Coverage limits:
  • Each firearm with coverage must have a minimum of $250,000 per occurrence (not counting interest or costs).
• Existing owners:
  • Current firearm owners must obtain this insurance by February 15, 2027.
• Safety provisions:
  • Insurance plans may require or offer premium discounts for completing certified safety training, using firearm safes, firearm locks, chamber load indicators, or other recognized safety measures.
• Penalties for noncompliance:
  • First violation: misdemeanor.
  • Second or subsequent violation: gross misdemeanor.
  • If a person has two or more prior convictions under this section, the court must impose at least a $1,000 fine.
• Exemptions:
  • The requirement does not apply to law enforcement officers or active duty military personnel acting in the course of official duties.

Timelines and Compliance

• Existing firearm owners have a deadline (February 15, 2027) to obtain the required insurance.
• The bill establishes gradually enforceable penalties for noncompliance and sets a clear per-firearm minimum coverage.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Introduces a new mandatory firearm liability insurance requirement for owners.
• Establishes new definitions (firearm, insured) and a new minimum coverage amount.
• Creates enforced criminal penalties for failing to obtain or maintain the insurance.
• Adds an exemption for law enforcement and active duty military personnel in official duties.
• Integrates safety measures and potential premium discounts into insurance requirements.

Relevant Terms - firearm liability insurance - negligent discharge - accidental discharge - death - injury - property damage - per occurrence - minimum coverage - $250,000 - insured - misdemeanor - gross misdemeanor - $1,000 fine - existing ownership deadline - February 15, 2027 - safety training - firearm safes - firearm locks - chamber load indicators - premium discounts - law enforcement exemption - active duty military exemption