New Bill Would Require Gun Owners to Have Liability Insurance - KCOY Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo - News

New Bill Would Require Gun Owners to Have Liability Insurance

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- What happens after a bullet leaves a gun is the owner's responsibility. That proposed idea is brewing at the State Capitol that has triggered controversy.

The concept is simple. You own a gun? Then buy insurance.

It's just one of many bills floating around Sacramento that could impact many people on the Central Coast.

The new bill would require gun owners to buy liability insurance to cover damages or injuries caused by their weapons.

The idea behind the new legislation is to encourage all gun owners to take firearms safety classes and keep their guns locked up to get better insurance rates.

Capitola Councilman Dennis Norton has been pushing for the city to take a look at its gun regulations, and said this proposed bill is a good idea.

Gun advocates see the bill as pointless because gun owners can already be sued for damages if they don't act responsibly. Critics said criminals will just ignore the law.

Capitola City Council meets next Thursday at 7 p.m. to talk about whether gun laws are being instituted correctly.