Washington State’s Senate Bill 5963 (SB 5963), currently under consideration, has become a focal point of a heated debate among lawmakers, gun rights advocates, and the public. This proposed legislation, introduced in early 2024, seeks to impose new insurance requirements on gun owners in the state, specifically targeting incidents involving the accidental or unintentional discharge of firearms.
Overview of SB 5963
SB 5963 mandates that all firearm owners in Washington State must obtain and continuously maintain a residential dwelling insurance policy. This policy is required to cover losses or damages arising from accidental or unintentional firearm discharges, including, but not limited to, property damage, and injury or death. The bill extends beyond homeowners to include renters, requiring them to have similar coverage for their firearms.
The proposed legislation places responsibilities on surplus line insurance brokers and insurance producers to inform customers of these requirements. It further stipulates that firearm owners must provide proof of such insurance at any location where a firearm is stored.