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

DENVER, Colorado, April 25 -- The Colorado Senate Democrats issued the following news release on April 24, 2024:

Legislation sponsored by Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, that would encourage responsible gun ownership by requiring gun owners to have liability insurance for their firearms cleared the Senate State, Veterans & Military Affairs Committee today.

"Gun violence unfortunately impacts every corner of our state, and we must do more to protect victims from the severe financial repercussions of gun violence," Hansen said. "Like vehicles, firearm accidents can be dangerous, and owning them requires responsibility. This bill will add guardrails and insurance to provide financial protection for gun-owners and gun violence victims alike."

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, but those denied insurance by two or more providers or who cannot afford it can seek a court exemption. The court can grant a 3-year exemption if it finds that the gun owner is likely to behave prudently and safely in the storage, carrying, and use of a firearm and that the person has a gun safe or other secure container to store the gun at home.

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

HB24-1270 will now move to further consideration before the full Senate. Track the bill's progress HERE (https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb24-1270).