In a bill introduced into the Colorado Senate Wednesday by Sen. John Morse, anyone owning or selling a military-style weapon would be legally liable for any damage caused by the weapon.
The bill, one of many proposed across America in the weeks following the Newtown and Aurora shootings, would exempt handguns, bolt-action rifles, and shotguns.
Federal law currently exempts gun manufacturers and sellers from liability if their products are used to commit violent acts. The exemption for sellers was passed by Congress in 2005.
Under the federal law, gun sellers and manufacturers are required to comply with state law in selling, storing, and transporting guns. The proposed bill would increase security requirements for weapons without violating the federal law, according to the Denver Post.
The bill could result in gun owners and sellers being required to carry firearm liability insurance. Firearm liability insurance has become a free-market suggestion for dealing with gun violence. New York is among a handful of states examining the implication of a mandatory firearm insurance law for gun owners.
Opponents to the proposed Colorado bill claim it creates unfair burdens for lawful gun owners. The bad guys, they claim, will just avoid carrying insurance, putting the burden on society.
Society already is paying the price for gun violence.
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