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Bill

A 7186

Requires proof of liability insurance prior to issuing a license to carry a firearm

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Monique Chandler-Waterman

Requires proof of liability insurance before a license to carry a firearm is issued, tying carry rights to insured status and affecting applicants, insurers, and regulators.

REFERRED TO CODES
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 7186

Summary of Bill A 7186

Title

Requires proof of liability insurance prior to issuing a license to carry a firearm

Status and Legislative History

  • Status: Referred to Codes (Introduction date: March 21, 2025)
  • Legislative Actions: 2025-03-21 — Referred to Codes (listed twice in the provided record)
  • Sponsor: Monique Chandler-Waterman (primary)

Purpose and Intent

The bill would require an applicant to demonstrate proof of liability insurance as a condition for the issuance of a license to carry a firearm. The fundamental aim is to tie firearm licensure to the applicant’s liability coverage, in order to address potential financial responsibility in the event of firearm-related incidents.

Key Provisions (as indicated by the bill’s title and summary)

  • Mandatory proof of liability insurance before a license to carry a firearm can be issued.
  • The measure establishes a prerequisite condition for licensure, effectively linking firearm carry rights to possession of liability coverage.
  • The available text does not specify:
    • Minimum insurance coverage amounts or types (e.g., general liability vs. firearm-specific liability).
    • Exemptions (e.g., temporary/seasonal licenses, law enforcement, active military exemptions, or low-income exceptions).
    • Procedures for verifying insurance (documentation requirements, deadlines, or renewal/recertification processes).
    • Penalties for failure to maintain insurance or for fraudulent proof.
    • Timeline for compliance or effective date if enacted.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Primary: Individuals applying for a license to carry a firearm, who would need to present proof of liability insurance.
  • Insurers and insurance regulators: Possibly affected insofar as premiums, policy forms, or verification processes for firearm-related liability coverage.
  • State licensing authorities: Responsible for evaluating proof of insurance as part of the licensure process.
  • Potential ancillary impacts on firearm licensure timelines and applicant burden.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill has been referred to the Codes Committee, indicating it is moving through a typical committee review process for laws related to criminal justice and legal codes.
  • No enacted date, funding provisions, or retroactivity information is provided in the available summary.

Related Legislation

  • Related bills from prior sessions (A 6486, A 4390, A 3043, A 3561, A 5240, A 349, A 95, A 581, A 6652) are listed as prior-session counterparts or predecessors, suggesting a continuing interest in tying liability insurance to firearm licensure in this legislative area.

Considerations for Readers

  • Details such as required coverage amounts, exemptions, enforcement mechanisms, and effective dates are not specified in the provided materials. For a complete understanding, the full text and any amendments would need to be reviewed once the bill progresses beyond referral.

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

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