FIREARM OWNERS ID-INSURANCE

Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. Provides that any person who owns a firearm in this State shall maintain a policy of liability insurance in the amount of at least $1,000,000 specifically covering any damages resulting from negligent or willful acts involving the use of such firearm while it is owned by such person.

Besides the issues of cost and availability, the gun insurance requirement is also a means of tracking gun ownership. It will require gun owners to either willfully violate the insurance law, subjecting themselves to criminal penalties (what are the chances that an overzealous police chief decides that there will be insurance card checks, and making impromptu visits to shooting ranges or hunting venues), or self-report ownership, which is one more incremental step towards first state, and then national registration.

Illinois already mandates self-reporting through the FOID act.

Created in 1968, FOID identifies persons eligible to possess and acquire firearms and firearm ammunition. Illinois residents who acquire or possess firearm or firearm ammunition within the State must have in their possession a valid Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card issued in his or her name. Not only that, but Illinois' UUW law makes CCW a felony (except for certain politicians), and does not preempt local ordinances banning firearms. Residents and non-residents alike are often prosecuted under restrictive local firearm ordinances, particularly in Cook County.

In Illinois, some pellet guns and all muzzleloaders and blackpowder guns are considered firearms

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