A Georgia lawmaker from a liberal metro Atlanta enclave plans to introduce legislation that could require some Georgia gun owners to secure liability insurance for their firearms.
On Wednesday, state Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver, D-Decatur, said she would file legislation requiring assault-type weapons owners in Georgia to obtain and maintain liability insurance for their firearms. The proposed legislation would make gun owners financially responsible for crimes committed using their firearms.
“If an individual decides to purchase and own an assault-type weapon, Georgia law should require that they ensure the weapon for the damage it may cause,” Oliver in an announcement. “I want the insurance industry to help us define the risks and costs associated with assault weapon ownership and work toward prevention of misuse. This is a commonsense approach that encourages responsibility and accountability, and it has the potential to reduce violence and improve public safety.”
Oliver’s proposed legislation would require that all owners of assault-type weapons, defined in the legislation as “a semiautomatic rifle that has the ability to accept a detachable high capacity magazine,” carry at least $1 million in liability insurance to cover any damages resulting from the misuse of their firearm. The liability insurance would be designed to help compensate victims in the event of injury, death or property damage caused by an assault weapon.
The proposed legislation will be formally introduced during the 2025 legislative session convening on Jan. 13, 2025.
