Georgia – Georgia State Representative Mary Margaret Oliver (D-Decatur) has proposed a legislation that would drastically change the state’s gun ownership landscape. Set to be discussed in the 2025 legislative session, Oliver’s suggested rule requires owners of assault-type weapons in Georgia carry at least $1 million in liability insurance.
This insurance requirement is meant to cover any possible injuries or damages resulting from the way these weapons are handled. Inspired by their regular use in mass shootings throughout the nation, the campaign results from growing concern about the safety concerns related with owning assault rifles.
“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,” said Rep. Oliver.
“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 added.
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Any owner of an assault-type weapon would be required under the proposed legislation to show they have $1 million in liability insurance. Should shootings cause property damage, death, or injury, this insurance would subsequently be used to pay victims.
In order to emphasize the urgency and need of such a regulation, the bill also mentions recent incidents such the September 4th shooting at Apalachee High School by suspect Colt Gray. Legislators hope that by requiring insurance, gun owners will be more conscious of the potential consequences of their use and take more care in protecting their weapons.
The bill outlines particular exemptions rules. These exceptions include manufacturers or those transferring ownership of an assault weapon, owners of permanently inoperable weapons, and those who have reported their weapon lost or stolen within a strict timeframe. Further exempt from this insurance requirement are peace officers, police agents, law enforcement officials, U.S. military personnel, Georgia Department of Corrections officials, people that use these weapons in line of duty.
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Under this policy, Victims of incidents involving assault weapons, or their families and legal representatives, would be qualified to file claims covering a wide spectrum of expenses from medical and hospital bills to funeral fees and death payments.
Both Georgians and legislators have become rather active in response to the legislative plan. While opponents see it as an onerous load on legitimate gun owners and a potential infringement on Second Amendment rights, supporters contend that it is an essential step towards reducing gun violence and improving public safety.
All eyes will be on Georgia when the measure approaches debate in the 2025 legislature session to see if this creative approach to gun control creates a precedent that might be followed around the country.
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Should the proposal be implemented, all designated gun owners would be required by January 1, 2026, to have their liability insurance in place, therefore changing the duties connected with gun ownership.
