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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to liability insurance for firearm ownership. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Chapter 411, Government Code, is amended by |
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adding Subchapter T to read as follows: |
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SUBCHAPTER T |
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LIABILITY INSURANCE FOR FIREARMS |
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Sec. 411.701. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter: |
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(1) "Firearm" means any weapon that is designed, made, |
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or adapted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive and |
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includes, but is not limited to, pistols, rifles, shotguns, and |
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machine guns. |
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(2) "Liability insurance" means insurance coverage |
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that provides financial protection against lawsuits arising from |
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the use or ownership of a firearm. |
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Sec. 411.702. INSURANCE COVERAGE REQUIREMENT. (a) Every |
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owner of a firearm shall maintain liability insurance coverage in |
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an amount of not less than $100,000 per occurrence for injury to or |
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death of one person, and in an amount of not less than $300,000 for |
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injury to or death of two or more people, and in an amount of not |
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less than $50,000 for damage to property. |
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(b) The liability insurance coverage required by this |
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section shall be in effect at all times that the firearm is in the |
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possession of the owner. |
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Sec. 411.703. PROOF OF INSURANCE. (a) Every owner of a |
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firearm shall provide proof of insurance coverage as required by |
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this chapter to any law enforcement officer upon request. |
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(b) Every owner of a firearm in Texas shall provide proof of |
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insurance coverage to the department upon application for a |
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firearms license or renewal of a firearms license. |
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Sec. 411.704. EXCEPTIONS. This subchapter shall not apply |
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to members of the armed forces of the United States or the National |
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Guard, when on duty, or to peace officers. |
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Sec. 411.705. ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES. (a) Any person who |
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violates any provision of this chapter shall be subject to a fine of |
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not less than $100 and not more than $1,000 for each violation. |
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(b) Any person who knowingly provides false proof of |
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insurance coverage shall be subject to a fine of not less than |
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$1,000 and not more than $10,000 for each violation. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023. |