By: Ramos H.B. No. 5185
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to liability insurance for firearm ownership.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 411, Government Code, is amended by
adding Subchapter T to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER T
LIABILITY INSURANCE FOR FIREARMS
Sec. 411.701. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:
(1) "Firearm" means any weapon that is designed, made,
or adapted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive and
includes, but is not limited to, pistols, rifles, shotguns, and
machine guns.
(2) "Liability insurance" means insurance coverage
that provides financial protection against lawsuits arising from
the use or ownership of a firearm.
Sec. 411.702. INSURANCE COVERAGE REQUIREMENT. (a) Every
owner of a firearm shall maintain liability insurance coverage in
an amount of not less than $100,000 per occurrence for injury to or
death of one person, and in an amount of not less than $300,000 for
injury to or death of two or more people, and in an amount of not
less than $50,000 for damage to property.
(b) The liability insurance coverage required by this
section shall be in effect at all times that the firearm is in the
possession of the owner.
Sec. 411.703. PROOF OF INSURANCE. (a) Every owner of a
firearm shall provide proof of insurance coverage as required by
this chapter to any law enforcement officer upon request.
(b) Every owner of a firearm in Texas shall provide proof of
insurance coverage to the department upon application for a
firearms license or renewal of a firearms license.
Sec. 411.704. EXCEPTIONS. This subchapter shall not apply
to members of the armed forces of the United States or the National
Guard, when on duty, or to peace officers.
Sec. 411.705. ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES. (a) Any person
who violates any provision of this chapter shall be subject to a
fine of not less than $100 and not more than $1,000 for each
violation.
(b) Any person who knowingly provides false proof of
insurance coverage shall be subject to a fine of not less than
$1,000 and not more than $10,000 for each violation.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.