A bill introduced in the Illinois Senate would require $1 million dollar insurance policy to cover accidental and willful acts involving an individual's firearm.
The Illinois General Assembly Rule Committee is currently in possession of
HB0687, a bill which proposes to amend the current Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. The amendment would require a $1million insurance policy on licensed fire arms for wilful misuse or accidentally misuse as well as liability for a lost or stolen gun until the loss or theft is reported to police.
The bill was proposed by Rep, Kenneth Dunkin (D) and it was read to the General Assembly on February 6.
Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. Provides that any person who owns a firearm in this State shall maintain a policy of liability insurance in the amount of at least $1,000,000 specifically covering any damages resulting from negligent or willful acts involving the use of such firearm while it is owned by such person. Provides that a person shall be deemed the owner of a firearm after the firearm is lost or stolen until such loss or theft is reported to the police department or sheriff of the jurisdiction in which the owner resides. Provides that the Department of State Police shall revoke and seize a Firearm Owner's Identification Card previously issued under this Act if the Department finds that the person to whom such card was issued possesses or acquires a firearm and does not submit evidence to the Department of State Police that he or she has been issued in his or her name a liability insurance policy in the amount of at least $1,000,000 specifically covering any damages resulting from negligent or willful acts involving the use of such firearm while it is owned by such person. Effective January 1, 2010.
The bill has already garnered opposition from Second Amendment Rights proponents and similar sentiments can be seen across the Conservative blogosphere as well as on talk radio. Some have even accused the bill of being a "backdoor gun ban" and still others say it is class discrimination against the poor.
Erin from
RightSoup.com says
What would the premiums run?! If the firearm owner can’t afford the insurance, or decides that it is simply crazy AND unconstitutional and refuses to participate, “the Department of State Police shall revoke and seize a Firearm Owner’s Identification Card,” thus making the the firearm illegal and the owner a criminal.
