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Government

Calif. Democrats Actually Want to Force All Gun Owners to Buy Liability Insurance

Feb. 5, 2013 8:40pm Jason Howerton

(TheBlaze/AP) — Democratic lawmakers proposed legislation Tuesday that would require California gun owners to buy liability insurance to cover damages or injuries caused by their weapons.

Similar bills have been introduced in other states following the Newtown, Conn., school massacre. They include Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and New York.

“I was moved, like many others, being the father of two young children, by the Sandy Hook incident and looking for constructive ways to manage gun violence here in California as well as the rest of the country,” said Assemblyman Philip Ting of San Francisco, who introduced AB231 along with Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez of Los Angeles. “There’s basically a cost that is born by the taxpayers when accidents occur. … I don’t think that taxpayers should be footing those bills.”

Ting equated the idea to requiring vehicle owners to buy auto insurance. Gomez argued it would encourage gun owners to take firearms safety classes and keep their guns locked up to get lower insurance rates.

No state has enacted the requirement despite repeated previous attempts, said Jon Griffin, a policy analyst with the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Bills have been offered unsuccessfully in Massachusetts and New York since at least 2003, when the conference began keeping track, he said. Similar bills were proposed in Illinois in 2009 and in Pennsylvania last year. Lawmakers are introducing the bills this year in even more states after the recent shootings.

Some proposals would require buyers to show proof of insurance before they could purchase a weapon. The proposal in California would apply to anyone owning a weapon, Ting said, though the bill’s details are still being worked out.

Calif. Democrats Want to Force Gun Owners to Buy Liability Insurance to Cover Damages or Injuries Caused by Firearms

Credit: Getty Images

Sam Paredes, executive director of Gun Owners of California, said most gun owners already act responsibly and can be sued for damages if they don’t.

He said the proposal is part of an ongoing attempt to “price gun owners out of existence,” particularly the law-abiding poor who live in crime-ridden areas and need protection the most. Criminals would ignore the law, he said.

Moreover, he questioned whether it is constitutional to require someone to buy insurance to exercise a constitutional right.

“If they don’t address it in committee, I’ll guarantee they’ll have to address it in court,” Paredes said.

Ting said he and Gomez plan to work with gun owners and opponents to craft a constitutional bill. It will not require insurance companies to offer gun insurance, but will encourage them to enter the market.

He noted that the National Rifle Association itself already offers its members the chance to buy liability insurance, despite its opposition to requiring gun owners to buy such policies.

Ting also introduced AB232, which would give a state income-tax credit of up to $1,000 to anyone who turns in a firearm to a local gun buyback program. The amount of the credit would be determined based on the value of the weapon.

Other cities, like Chicago, have proposed a so-called “bullet tax” seeking to increase the cost of ammunition.

–

Editor’s note: California State Assemblyman Rocky Chávez is not a supporter of the gun control bill referenced in this story. An AP photo previously included was not meant to imply that he or other Republican lawmakers were supporting the bill. To review the bill’s sponsors and supporters, visit the California Legislature’s website here.

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Comments (172)

Clownzilla
Posted on February 5, 2013 at 9:27pm
Wonder if they have to pay higher premiums if they are petty criminals or if they have to pay the same rates as the blood-thirsty gun blazing killers?

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- DarkJello
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 9:39pm
  No wonder California is failing so hard. Common sense has been forced out.
  
  Report this comment
- banjarmon
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 9:53pm
  How about making the criminal buy insurance to pay back his victims…If a criminal get shot, the state should pay the money saved in court and prison cost to the the shooter as a reward!
  
  Report this comment
- DEFCON4
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 9:55pm
  Would you be eligible for a rebate if you shot/killed a fugitive on a ‘most-wanted’ list ?
  
  Report this comment
- ashestoashes
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 9:57pm
  A better idea would be to give California back to Mexico..then they could force the Hezbollah Drug Cartels to pay those liability premiums..Problem Solved (:
  
  Report this comment
- BryanB
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 10:22pm
  We could just force them into giving us subsidies and spread that wealth around !!!!!!
  
  How would you like to be able to buy 10 firearem with the amount of government subsidies (Money), you will be getting, thats a great idea they have “Forcing All Gun Owners to Buy Liability Insurance”. I could always use the extra cash………
  
  Report this comment
- BODYBAG
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 10:29pm
  Congrats on creating the largest MASS EXODUS of citizens in state history.
  The Progs are on a Nationwide rampage. The blood is in the water.
  
  Report this comment
- SUNTZU
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 10:50pm
  Everyone in public office should have to have
  Lie-bility Ins and bonded
  And every lie ,each voter in their district gets 1,000$
  
  Report this comment
- SUNTZU
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 10:58pm
  Gov.Brown
  When you, Nancy and Frankenstine are all alone
  Just think of the fun you can have
  
  Report this comment
- BODYBAG
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 11:29pm
  “I was moved, like many others by the Sandy Hook incident ”
  
  Me too.
  I was moved to purchase 2 more weapons.
  
  Report this comment
- hypnos
  Posted on February 6, 2013 at 12:11am
  The tax man speakth
  
  Report this comment
- Thomas
  Posted on February 6, 2013 at 1:42am
  Move to Texas cause all the businesses are. Its time to vote with your feet people. If you are tired of the Liberal policies then move to a place like Texas. If my state don’t improve I know I am going to Texas. Perry is doing a great job there. Let California fall into the sea.
  
  Report this comment
- ICRedifURBlue
  Posted on February 6, 2013 at 2:19am
  how ’bout you buy insurance if you DON”T own a gun……….can’t defend yourself ya gotta reimburse emergency services for saving your lame a$$………..or burying your carcass……
  
  Report this comment
- Armed Patriot
  Posted on February 6, 2013 at 4:23am
  They will probably pass these gun laws now. In California we have a DemoRat super majority. They can pass anything they want even if all the Repub’s vote no.
  
  Report this comment
- naughtycal
  Posted on February 6, 2013 at 7:31am
  As soon as all democrats over 18 voluntarily sterlize themselves we’ll think about it.
  
  Report this comment
- cosette
  Posted on February 6, 2013 at 8:14am
  Only in the deluded mind of a leftist is mandatory insurance considered a reasonable concept one should consider in order to exercise ones constitutional rights. Their glaring ignorance of the constitution is appalling.
  
  Report this comment
- term limits for congress
  Posted on February 6, 2013 at 9:04am
  Requiring insurance seems like it might infringe on my rights. Hopefully I can get a discount if I bundle my freedom of speech insurance with my right to bare arms insurance.
  
  Report this comment
- mikem1969
  Posted on February 6, 2013 at 10:05am
  Watch the left hand on this one. If you buy GUN LIABILITY insurance, you just entered a NATIONAL GUN REGUSTRY. National gun registries lead to NATIONAL GUN CONFISCATION. Look at history, it proves this point well.
  
  Report this comment
- E.Souchak
  Posted on February 6, 2013 at 11:54am
  U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald’s war against the truth
  
  http://illinoispaytoplay.com/2013/02/06/u-s-attorney-patrick-fitzgeralds-war-against-the-truth/
  
  Report this comment
Leveraction3030
Posted on February 5, 2013 at 9:26pm
So the Mexican cartel leaders in Californification want law abiding citizens to be forced to buy insurance. What a joke. Their people drive everywhere with no drivers, no insurance and kill more people with their cars and weapons than all the legal gun owners in the entire country combined.
Yes attack the good people to collect money to help the state you have ruined by invasion and living off the other hard working peoples money.

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- BODYBAG
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 11:25pm
  The “breaking point” is not too far away now.
  We will all wake up one morning to the news that something has finally snapped
  and there will be no turning back.
  
  Report this comment
- gbarrel
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 11:31pm
  I think Mexico want’s California back.
  Let’s give it to them!
  
  Report this comment
- Marine25
  Posted on February 6, 2013 at 8:52am
  @bodybag
  seems someone snaps every few months and kills a group of people with a semi-auto.
  
  Report this comment
frogg
Posted on February 5, 2013 at 9:26pm
I say, let every Gun Owner vote with their feet! They think have a problem now? See how they pay their bills after 50 to 60 % of their population is gone. Ha! Ha! Plus that is called INFRINGEMENT!

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- RollyBones
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 9:53pm
  Those folks that leave also take their wages and taxes with them. After all the ‘Gimmiedats’ don’t work or pay taxes and they follow the progressives like sheep! They wil stay put…hopefuly!
  Rolly
  
  Report this comment
- DADDYWOREAWHITEHAT
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 10:29pm
  NO! Now we have all those horrible californication people living in TX & voting I mean looking for love in all the wrong places. They made that bed they need to lay in it!
  
  Report this comment
- BODYBAG
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 10:34pm
  Yeah — congratulations in creating a place where NO ONE WANTS TO LIVE
  except illegals and gangs.
  
  See how long THEY are able to support your spending addictions.
  LMAO!!!!!!!
  
  Goodbye Progressive WASTELAND. You’ll be like DETROIT soon.
  
  Report this comment
- mercenary4freedom
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 11:05pm
  Just look @ that photo of those clowns. Is there any wonder why Cal is so f#kd up?
  
  Report this comment
- BODYBAG
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 11:20pm
  @MERCENARY4FREEDOM
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 11:05pm
  Just look @ that photo of those clowns. Is there any wonder why Cal is so f#kd up?
  ——————————–
  Yah —- One white guy.
  Who WANTS to live there?
  
  Every city in the US has an area predominately minority populated. They’re exactly the same
  no matter what city you’re in —– GHETTO. Criminal no-mans land. WHY is that?
  
  White people dont want to drive through there, much less LIVE there.
  
  Report this comment
- GuruMeditation
  Posted on February 6, 2013 at 7:29am
  Clowns indeed.
  
  Report this comment
- Marine25
  Posted on February 6, 2013 at 9:39am
  @bodybag
  39 million Americans live in California. That’s one out of every eight Americans.
  Yet you say nobody wants to live there.
  California has a state GDP larger than all but 5 countries.
  Yet you declare their economic disaster.
  You are an idiot.
  Now post back to me with a threat to ‘put a bullet in my head’ or one of your other tough guy threats.
  Read a book one time. Pick up a newspaper.
- BODYBAG
  Posted on February 7, 2013 at 6:44pm
  @MARINE25
  Posted on February 6, 2013 at 9:39am
  @bodybag
  39 million Americans live in California. That’s one out of every eight Americans.
  California has a state GDP larger than all but 5 countries.
  Yet you declare their economic disaster.
  You are an idiot.
  Read a book one time. Pick up a newspaper.
  ————————————-
  It was the 8th largest economy in the world, not the 5th.
  Its also bankrupt to the tune of $430 billion
  http://www.usdebtclock.org/state-debt-clocks/state-of-california-debt-clock.html
  
  Its residents and businesses are fleeing to Texas & Nevada byt he millions
  
  Next time just say thanks when someone wipes your @ss for you.
  
  You’re a disgrace to your username —- not that you ever were a real marine
  anywhere except your own fantasies.
  
  Report this comment
neverending
Posted on February 5, 2013 at 9:25pm
This will be the next thing from commie in chief. Insurance, all sorts of extra gun and ammo taxes, costly special license and the list goes on and on making it so costly and nearly impossible to own a gun. This sorry sob gets us one way or the other, Absolutely detest the rat.

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EQUALIZER
Posted on February 5, 2013 at 9:23pm
Dear Democrats, take my double barrel and shove it.

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- isobamamadd
  Posted on February 6, 2013 at 12:32am
  then apply trigger pressure until you get your Buck Shot enema!!!!LOL
  
  Report this comment
- isobamamadd
  Posted on February 6, 2013 at 12:36am
  Look at the Frito Banditos, just a loving it, reminds me of the Bandits in the movie treasure of the sierra madre,
  “Badges?,,,,We don’t need no stinking Badges”"
  
  Report this comment
OneShotPagan
Posted on February 5, 2013 at 9:22pm
Go ahead and give the drug addled left coast back to Mexico … they’ll have it in a few years anyway … and while you’re at it, let the brain dead North East have their socialist fantasy … and leave the rest of us the **** alone!

The problem is, whether Mexicans or Californians or Yankees … they mess their nests when they relocate by trying to rebuild the cesspool they ran away from!

It’s coming …

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- 700P
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 9:55pm
  If you look closely at the photo, it’s obvious Mexico is already in charge. Let the Hispanics and the Homos have the place, they can just become their own country, Libtardia. Primary exports are fruits, nuts, veggies, dairy, wine, pot and porn.
  
  Report this comment
Chuck Stein
Posted on February 5, 2013 at 9:17pm
First things first. First amendment comes before second amendment. Accordingly, they should first require all media organizations to purchase liablity insurance for libel actions.

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- COMANON
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 9:30pm
  I like that idea, if a gun owner has to buy liability insurance, then why shouldn’t the media?
  
  Report this comment
- Bookster
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 10:48pm
  If you think about it, 0bamacare forces us to buy insurance to exercise the first thing that our founding fathers put on the list of inalienable rights, the right to life. With 0bmamcare, if you want to live in the country, you have to buy insurance. These fools infringing on another right by forcing another insurance policy isn’t all that far fetched, and sadly we have a treasonous supreme court that will go along with it.
  
  Will the last one to leave the United States of America please take the flag and turn off the lights.
  
  Liberalism is a mental disorder.
  Progressives are a virus, a plague.
  Democrats are Godless.
  MSNBC=Hell’s webcam.
  0bama=Enemy of America.
  
  Report this comment
Antares2000
Posted on February 5, 2013 at 9:12pm
What sense does it make to impose taxes, even through the idea of liability insurance, on law abiding citizens who don’t go out and commit crimes? I guarantee criminals will not bother to pay for the insurance…so in the end, the law abiding citizens of this country will be forced to foot the bill for the criminals. It makes no sense at all! Glad I live in a state where we aren’t demonizing law abiding citizens for wanting to keep their Second Amendment right.

Common Sense has come to Facebook! Check out Citizens for Common Sense!
http://www.facebook.com/#!/citizens4commonsense

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- COMANON
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 9:28pm
  This bill is just another way of trying to make gun ownership cost prohibitive; they are trying to work around the 2nd Amendment by saying something like “We’re not making guns illegal, were just trying to make gun owners more responsible.”
  
  You are lucky if you live in a state that doesn’t pull this kind of garbage, wish I could afford to move out of the Fascist State of California.
  
  Report this comment
- RollyBones
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 9:55pm
  They have introduced this bill in Connecticut also! It’s not goiung over too wellwith the populace fortuneatly
  
  Report this comment
DarkJello
Posted on February 5, 2013 at 9:12pm
“I don’t think that taxpayers should be footing those bills.”

Are we all in this together or not? So “taxpayers” will be exempt from this absurdity?

More americans die from accidental falls than homicide with a firearm. Fact. I propose a new tax on anyone and everyone that walks!! Except for “taxpayers” of course. LMBO at this tripe.

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- DEFCON4
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 9:27pm
  But, it’s O.K. to ‘foot’ the bills, to fund all the illegal immigrants who are overwhelming
  the ‘System’…..
  
  Report this comment
- mercenary4freedom
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 11:22pm
  More americans die from quack doctors in bed with big pharma practicing disease management every year than any gun crime.
  
  Report this comment
EllieR
Posted on February 5, 2013 at 9:11pm
New Revenue to subsidize Dream Act.

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barber2
Posted on February 5, 2013 at 9:03pm
Solution ? Gun owners need to play the Discrimination Card ! Has always worked swell for the Democrats !

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- oldguy49
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 9:09pm
  it doesn’t matter………..california will be part of mexico soon………..
  
  Report this comment
- tonypro
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 9:15pm
  Hey oldguy49 I would have to believe that statement just by looking at this picture.
  
  Report this comment
barber2
Posted on February 5, 2013 at 9:00pm
What ? You mean the government will force us to buy more insurance ? Hey, SCOTUS , look what the radical Democrats have conned you guys into allowing ?! Will they also allow this legal by declaring it a ” tax ?”

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oicu814me2
Posted on February 5, 2013 at 8:56pm
After 3 murders your rate will go up..

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Adobewalls
Posted on February 5, 2013 at 8:55pm
State has that right but I wish California would stop this crap. Way too many moving to Texas and wanting to bring their brand of government with them.

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Advection
Posted on February 5, 2013 at 8:54pm
Don’t pay the illegal infringement tax.

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DefyTYRANNY
Posted on February 5, 2013 at 8:51pm
Yes, this is economic warfare to make it too expensive to own and use firearms.

Mandates to force citizens to use lead free ammo already exist which happened to have the effect of driving ammo up to $1 per bullet or more.

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- Oath-keeper
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 9:10pm
  It’s already there my friend…
  
  Report this comment
- DefyTYRANNY
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 10:23pm
  No kidding. I know it, but the good news is, that I bought plenty before the election. My momma dint raise no fool.
  
  Report this comment
oriondma05
Posted on February 5, 2013 at 8:50pm
That assembly picture in the article is about as diverse as the kitchen staff at Applebee’s.

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- koobee
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 8:57pm
  my thoughts exactly.
  
  Report this comment
- truthnstuff
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 8:58pm
  Looked like affirmative action on steroids. The collective IQ couldn’t have reached double digits.
  
  Report this comment
- koobee
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 9:02pm
  All Mexican sur names except two.
  
  Report this comment
- hostiletimes
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 9:05pm
  that’s funny almost choked on my taco,and im hispanic
  
  Report this comment
DougHuffman
Posted on February 5, 2013 at 8:50pm
Mandated health insurance, why not mandated personal liability insurance. MOLON LABE Lord of Flies Lies.

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capecoralM
Posted on February 5, 2013 at 8:50pm
in·fringe [in-frinj] Show IPA verb, in·fringed, in·fring·ing.
verb (used with object)
1. to commit a breach or infraction of; violate or transgress: to infringe a copyright; to infringe a rule.
verb (used without object)
2. to encroach or trespass (usually followed by on or upon ): Don’t infringe on his privacy.
Origin:
1525–35; < Latin infringere to break, weaken, equivalent to in- in-2 + -fringere, combining form of frangere to break

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barber2
Posted on February 5, 2013 at 8:50pm
I heard that the Democrats were going to try to have laws enacted which would make gun manufacturers held liable for the injuries that their guns caused when used by criminals. Sound like 1984 ? Sound like Big Brother ? Sound like ” using the law to change the law ?” Sound like a giant over-reach and further assault on individual rights and on capitalism ?

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The-Monk
Posted on February 5, 2013 at 8:48pm
Let me guess….

They all have relatives that sell liability insurance?

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- DEFCON4
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 9:41pm
  Perhaps, ‘Flo’ from Progressive……she might make a ‘bundle’…
  
  Report this comment
- DADDYWOREAWHITEHAT
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 10:39pm
  @defcon
  Progressive is owned by way way way left leaning progressive. Don’t go anywhere near them.
  
  Report this comment
- DEFCON4
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 11:13pm
  @ White hat, Thanks, just trying to be humorous.
  I will always remember the Blazes’ Matt Fisher article entitled,
  
  “My Sister Paid Progressive Insurance to Defend Her Killer in Court”
  August 14, 2012 ….-truly sickening-
  
  Report this comment
PA PATRIOT
Posted on February 5, 2013 at 8:46pm
Go ahead, Make my day.
Dirty Californian

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Tri-ox
Posted on February 5, 2013 at 8:46pm
Well, California wacko-democrats have a SUPER majority now – they can easily pass anything they want – no matter how crazy or dangerous.

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Fubared
Posted on February 5, 2013 at 8:45pm
Que es liability?

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- The-Monk
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 8:52pm
  Hi Fubared,
  
  I got the same response at the Latino computer shop I worked at part-time a few years ago when I asked about….. 1099, W2, State and Federal taxes, FICA, etc…… Que es?
  
  Report this comment
- MDECKER
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 9:10pm
  Exactly! I’d be hard-pressed to find one American born individual in the photo above.
  
  Report this comment
Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
Posted on February 5, 2013 at 8:44pm
And yet another reason I will never live in California. You can no longer just live your life, they now have a one party system, and they will now cenrally plan your life for you.

How about Lie-ability insurance for all politicians, if they sign or vote for a bad bill that causes harm to the state, they can be held personnaly responsible.

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- RJJinGadsden
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 8:54pm
  DARMOK, For God’s sake, I am so glad my parents had the sense to return to Alabama when I was still a child. I can only pray for the relatives I have who still live there.
  
  Report this comment
- Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 9:15pm
  We lived there in Sacramento for about 5.5 years, loved the people, loved the area, hated the state politics and taxes. It really would be paradise if the loonie left hadn’t ruined everything.
  
  Report this comment

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