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Liability insurance requirement for firearms owners?

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HB 1368, currently being considered by the House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee, would require individuals who sell, purchase, or own a firearm to possess liability insurance.

Several states have considered similar bills, but none have passed.

Supporters point to statistics showing that gun ownership increases the risk of injury and death to household members and others. They argue that insurance might be the only way to ensure that the victims of accidental firearm-related injury or death are adequately compensated, and that the move could push gun owners to store their weapons more safely and securely, reducing the risk of accidental or deliberate misuse.

Opponents counter that such a requirement would be difficult to enforce in New Hampshire, where gun owners are not required to register or get a permit. They also argue that the move would essentially mean that only the wealthy would be able to afford to own guns, which would constitute an infringement on the second amendment rights of lower-income individuals.

UPDATE: Read our Citizen Voices℠ report and find out where New Hampshire stands on this issue.

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