Colo. House Democrats: House Passes Bill to Promote Responsible Gun Ownership With Firearm Insurance Coverage

Targeted News Service (Press Releases)

DENVER, Colorado, April 23 (TNSres) -- The Colorado House Democrats issued the following news release on April 21, 2024:

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Steven Woodrow and Iman Jodeh to encourage responsible gun ownership by requiring gun owners to have liability insurance for their firearms. HB24-1270 passed by a vote of 33-29.

"The costs of gun violence are staggering, and taxpayers are often left footing the bill. This legislation helps cover costs while promoting responsible gun ownership and safer communities," said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. "This bill would require gun owners to hold liability insurance for their firearms, which many already do through their homeowners' or renters' policies. HB-1270 incentivizes responsibility while ensuring victims of gun accidents are compensated."

"We require people to hold homeowners and car insurance, and deadly weapons should not be treated differently," said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. "Our bill adds more protections and strengthens guardrails to increase and promote responsible gun ownership and prevent crime. Colorado has a serious history of gun violence, and this bill is one step that we can take to encourage safe firearm handling to save lives and keep our communities safe."

Starting January 1, 2025, HB24-1270 would require gun owners to have liability insurance that covers losses or damages to a person who is injured from the accidental or unintentional discharge of a firearm. Failure to have a firearm liability insurance policy is a civil infraction.

The bill allows this coverage to be included under the gun owner's homeowners, condo unit, or renters policy.

A 2023 study found that 75 percent of American consumers believe that gun owners should be required to hold liability insurance for their guns.