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Bill

S 5974

Requires owners of firearms to obtain liability insurance

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Parker

New York bill requires all firearm owners to carry liability insurance, shifting injury compensation risk onto gun owners while potentially reducing gun ownership through added financial costs.

REFERRED TO INSURANCE
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Bill Summary · S 5974

Legislative bill overview

S 5974 mandates that all firearm owners in New York obtain liability insurance covering damages or injuries caused by their weapons. The bill was introduced by Senator Kevin Parker and referred to the Insurance Committee in March 2025. This would make firearm liability insurance a legal requirement rather than a voluntary practice.

Why is this important

Firearm liability insurance could create a financial deterrent to gun ownership while potentially establishing a compensation mechanism for victims of gun violence or accidents. The requirement would fundamentally shift risk management in gun ownership, similar to how auto insurance operates for vehicle owners. This approach represents a policy strategy to reduce gun injuries through economic incentives rather than restrictions on purchasing or possession.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional concerns: Second Amendment advocates may argue that mandatory insurance effectively creates a financial tax on a constitutional right, making it prohibitively expensive for lower-income gun owners
  • Insurance market viability: The insurance industry may resist the mandate, citing uncertainty in pricing liability, potential for catastrophic losses, and limited appetite for this coverage type
  • Enforcement and administration: Questions remain about how the state would verify compliance, what penalties apply to uninsured owners, and whether exceptions exist for police or other groups

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

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