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HB 3127

Establishes provisions relating to insurance coverage for damages to property or motor vehicle due to firearm discharge incidents

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chanel Mosley

Missouri HB 3127 would mandate homeowners, renters, and vehicle insurers to cover reasonable additional living expenses and vehicle damages arising from firearm discharge incidents

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
#insurance-property #victimsofcrime
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 3127

Overview

Missouri HB 3127 proposes requirements for insurance coverage related to firearm discharge incidents. It would add two new sections to chapter 379 (Sections 379.965 and 379.967) outlining when homeowners, dwelling-owners, and renters/tenants insurance must cover additional living expenses and how motor vehicle insurance must treat damages from firearm discharges. The bill is sponsored by Representative Mosley (Co-sponsor: Chanel Mosley) and sets a 2027 effective date for the new coverage requirements.

Main purpose and intent

  • Establish state-mmandated coverage for reasonable additional living expenses (ALE) incurred due to firearm discharge incidents that damage or render a property temporarily uninhabitable.
  • Ensure motor vehicle insurers treat damages to vehicles involved in firearm discharge incidents as covered losses under existing policy terms, including scenarios involving homicide inside a vehicle or other vehicle damage.

Key provisions

1) Expanded ALE coverage for property policies (379.965)

  • Applicable policies (the “Covered policy”):
    • Homeowners' insurance
    • Dwelling-owners insurance
    • Renters’ or tenants’ insurance
  • A “firearm discharge incident” includes any discharge of a firearm resulting in:
    • Physical damage to the insured property, or
    • Conditions that render the property temporarily uninhabitable
  • Insurer obligations (effective January 1, 2027):
    • Provide coverage for a reasonable increase in living expenses when such an incident occurs near/at the insured property and causes injury or damage leading to temporary uninhabitability.
    • ALE would cover: temporary housing (hotels/apartments), increased meals, increased transportation costs, and other reasonable, necessary living expenses.
  • Policy disclosures and limits:
    • The policy must specify a maximum amount for ALE (either a dollar-amount limit or an ending-date limit).
    • Coverage lasts as long as needed to repair/replace the property or until relocation is complete, subject to the policy’s ALE limit.
  • Exclusions and conditions:
    • No coverage for evacuations not related to the firearm discharge, non-related living expenses, or expenses the insurer deems not reasonable/necessary.
    • A waiting period of up to 48 hours before ALE coverage becomes effective.
    • Insureds must notify the insurer promptly, provide documentation of ALE, and cooperate with investigations.

2) Vehicle coverage for firearm discharge incidents (379.967)

  • When a firearm discharge incident affects an insured motor vehicle:
    • If a homicide occurs inside the vehicle, the damage is treated as a covered loss under the policy, and the insurer must perform a total-loss evaluation consistent with standard industry practices (including biohazard considerations, structural integrity, and restoration costs).
    • If the vehicle is damaged (but not resulting in homicide), the damage is eligible for repair coverage under the policy terms, including cosmetic restoration to return the vehicle to pre-loss condition.
  • The coverage is to be included in all standard motor vehicle insurance policies in Missouri.
  • The provisions do not require insurers to add new coverages beyond what the policyholder already has; they apply within existing policy frameworks.
  • Rulemaking:
    • The Missouri Director of the Department of Commerce and Insurance may promulgate necessary rules for administering these sections, with standard rulemaking protections under chapter 536.

Who is affected

  • Insurance policyholders holding homeowners', dwelling-owners, or renters’/tenants’ insurance in Missouri.
  • Insurers offering or issuing the covered policies in Missouri (as of January 1, 2027).
  • Vehicle policyholders under standard motor vehicle insurance policies in Missouri.
  • The bill would not alter weapon rights, firearm ownership laws, or duties of firearm owners beyond requiring certain insurance coverage adjustments.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date for ALE coverage requirements: January 1, 2027.
  • ALE coverage terms: must be specified in policy declarations with dollar or time limits; duration aligns with repair/replacement timelines or relocation needs.
  • Waiting period: insurers may impose up to a 48-hour waiting period before ALE coverage becomes effective after a firearm discharge incident.
  • Required actions by insured: promptly notify insurer, document and provide receipts for ALE, cooperate with investigation.
  • Rulemaking authority: director may promulgate rules for administering provisions; rules follow the standard state framework (Chapter 536) and are nonseverable from the act’s authorizing provisions.

Potential impact

  • Increased insurer exposure for ALE costs and for vehicle total-loss or repair assessments in firearm discharge scenarios.
  • Greater clarity and uniformity in handling living expenses and vehicle damages arising from firearm-related incidents.
  • Possible premium implications or policy design adjustments as insurers incorporate these mandated coverages and limits into declarations.
  • Consumers gain explicit coverage for living expenses and vehicle damages stemming from firearm discharge incidents, subject to defined limits and compliance requirements.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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