A Washington senator filed a bill requiring residents to get insurance for guns they intend to carry.
Senator Maralyn Chase explained that the rationale for the bill follows the logic of getting coverage for such things as homes, cars and other items. She also insisted in a media report that the requirement is not about gun control, “but rather public and private protections.”
A MYNorthwest.com report noted that the Senator foresees the bill will have difficulty going through legislature, but that “it’s important to get the discussion started.” The bill is currently waiting for a hearing schedule with the Senate’s Law and Justice Committee.
Want the latest insurance industry news first? Sign up for our completely free newsletter service now.
“I fully believe in Second Amendment rights, however, with those rights come great responsibilities. We see the destructive power of guns almost nightly on the news and yet we do not require gun owners to have any type of liability insurance,” Senator Chase told the media outlet.
“Requiring liability insurance may cause an irresponsible gun owner to exercise extra care in preventing firearm-related accidents, especially in tragic accidents involving children.”
Related stories:
High rate of child gun accidents again raises questions on mandatory insurance
Appetite for gun insurance grows, with proposals in 4 states
