Illinois Bill Would Require Gun Owners to Buy $1M in Liability Insurance

February 18, 2009

An Illinois state lawmaker is proposing that gun owners be required to carry personal liability insurance of at least $1 million.

Rep. Kenneth Dunkin's bill seeks to amend the state's Firearm Owners Identification Card Act to provides that any person who owns a firearm in the state maintain a $1 million or higher policy of liability insurance "specifically covering any damages resulting from negligent or willful acts involving the use of such firearm while it is owned by such person."

A gun owner would be responsible after a firearm is lost or stolen until the loss or theft is reported to the police department or sheriff of the jurisdiction in which the owner resides.

Police would be empowered to pull the gun license of anyone who does not submit evidence of having the required insurance.

The measure is now in the House Rules Committee.