Gun owners in Washington state would have to have liability insurance for their firearms under proposed legislation heard in the Senate Law and Justice Committee Monday. Sen. Patty Kuderer, D-Bellevue, is sponsoring the legislation with the support of nine Democratic Senators.
“This bill will require gun owners who live in Washington and own or possess a firearm to carry gun liability insurance to cover the losses or damages resulting from any accidental use of a firearm,” Kuderer said during testimony.
The senator said gun deaths and injuries cost $169 million in taxpayer money annually, including costs related to accidental shootings.
“By setting this requirement, Washington attempts to reduce the risk and subsequent cost of hardships of gun accidents,” Kuderer said. “This bill achieves these goals and reallocates costs without compromising any Second Amendment rights. This is true because this requirement does not regulate, limit or control the manner or method in which people may keep or bear arms. Instead, it simply says you must have liability insurance.”