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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | July 11, 2016 12:18 PM |
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| From: | Representative Ed Gainey |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Firearm Liability Insurance Law for Gun Owners in Pennsylvania |
| No one has a doubt that firearms can pose a danger of injury to persons and property. Most firearm owners do not carry firearm-specific liability coverage for use in the event that a firearm owner is subject to a civil action due to the unauthorized use of the owner’s firearm by another person. Some gun owners might already have a home insurance policy, but it only provides gun owners with small coverage in property damage and personal injury. Considering the huge amount of medical and legal costs by each gun incident, adequate liability coverage would ensure that the victims of gun violence are fairly compensated when crimes or accidents occur. In the near future, I plan to introduce a freestanding insurance bill that requires every gun owner in Pennsylvania to purchase firearm liability insurance for each firearm in order to decrease gun-crime rates and to protect the Second Amendment and the self-defense rights of responsible firearm owners in Pennsylvania. Under my legislation, firearm liability insurance coverage shall include: (1) At least $500,000 in liability coverage; (2) At least $50,000 in criminal defense protection; and (3) At least $5,000 for mental health services for a firearm owner. Not purchasing firearm liability insurance will carry a graduated fine structure as a penalty and all insurance coverages will only be made for responsible gun owners. This bill may not influence any other gun-related activities such as the purchase of firearm or a permit to carry concealed. |
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