Connecticut House Bill HB05268

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/14/13
• Refer: 1/14/13

Caption

An Act Requiring The Maintenance Of Liability Insurance By Firearm Owners And Establishing A Sales Tax On Ammunition.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly alter the landscape of firearm ownership in the state. By requiring liability insurance, it aims to ensure that firearm owners are financially responsible for potential damages or injuries caused by their firearms. This could lead to a decrease in irresponsible gun ownership, as individuals would face financial consequences for any negligence. Additionally, the sales tax on ammunition could discourage excessive purchasing and generate revenue that could be redirected to public safety initiatives or community programs aimed at reducing gun violence.

Summary

House Bill 05268 seeks to amend existing state law by introducing two primary provisions: it mandates that all firearm owners maintain liability insurance and establishes a substantial sales tax of fifty percent on ammunition sales. The intent behind this legislation is to enhance public safety through financial accountability and provide a potential funding stream for programs related to gun safety and violence prevention. The bill is particularly relevant in the context of ongoing national discussions surrounding firearm regulations and public safety measures.

Contention

The introduction of HB 05268 is likely to spur significant debate among legislators and the public. Advocates for the bill argue that it is a vital step toward responsible gun ownership and that the revenue generated from the ammunition tax could be used to fund critical safety programs. Conversely, opponents may argue that such a tax burdens lawful gun owners and infringes on their rights. Concerns about the effectiveness of liability insurance in preventing gun violence and the impact of high taxation on ammunition sales are also likely to be focal points in discussions surrounding this legislation.