State Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver (D-Decatur) is proposing a new law for Georgia gun owners for 2025 that would require them to have liability insurance to own assault-type weapons.
According to an announcement from Oliver’s office, the proposed legislation is aimed at addressing the risks of owning assault weapons by requiring gun owners to be financially responsible for the damages or injuries caused by their firearms.
“If an individual decides to purchase and own an assault-type weapon, Georgia law should require that they ensure the weapon for the damage it may cause,” Oliver said in a statement. “I want the insurance industry to help us define the risks and costs associated with assault weapon ownership and work toward prevention of misuse. This is a commonsense approach that encourages responsibility and accountability, and it has the potential to reduce violence and improve public safety.”
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Under the legislative proposal, all owners of assault-type weapons in Georgia would have to obtain and maintain $1 million in liability insurance to cover the damages from misuse of firearms. The insurance would be designed to help pay victims in the event of an injury, death or property damage caused by assault weapons.