Bill Requires Gun Owners to Obtain $300K Insurance Policy

Maryland gun owners may soon find themselves shelling out money for a $300,000 insurance policy or forfeit their ability to carry a firearm if a new bill is passed, Fox News reports.

The contentious legislation introduced last Thursday by Howard County Democrat Delegate Terri Hill would prohibit the “wear or carry” of a firearm anywhere in the state unless that individual has purchased a liability insurance policy of at least $300,000.

“A person,” the legislation reads, “may not wear or carry a firearm unless the person has obtained it and is covered by liability insurance issued by an insurer authorized to do business in the State under the Insurance Article to cover claims for property damage, bodily injury, or death arising from an accident resulting from the person’s use or storage of a firearm or up to $300,000 for damages arising from the same incident, in addition to interest and costs.”

Exceptions to the requirement have been outlined for military personnel and federal law enforcement officers.

Hill described the bill as a measure for “common sense” gun control, inspired by conversations she had with constituents concerned about gun owners’ accountability.

Critics of the legislation, such as gun advocate Frank Duffy, argue that the legislation represents an additional barrier for individuals to carry firearms lawfully.

“It’s another effort by the state to throw an obstacle in front of people trying to get their conceal carry permits,” Duffy said. “The Supreme Court made a decision that said Maryland and other states could not require a good or substantial reason to get a permit.”