2026 -- H 8075

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LC005713

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO INSURANCE -- LIABILITY INSURANCE

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Caldwell, Potter, Boylan, Knight, Carson, McEntee,
McGaw, Casimiro, Furtado, and Ajello

     Date Introduced: February 27, 2026

     Referred To: House Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Chapter 27-7 of the General Laws entitled "Liability Insurance" is hereby

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amended by adding thereto the following section:

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     27-7-8. Firearm ownership.

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     (a) Any individual who owns a firearm shall obtain and continuously maintain a policy of

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liability insurance in an amount not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) specifically covering

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any damages resulting from any negligent acts involving the use of such firearm while it is owned

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by such person. Failure to maintain such insurance shall result in the immediate revocation of such

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owner's registration, license and any other privilege to own such firearm.

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     (b) For purposes of this section, a person shall be deemed to be the owner of a firearm if

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such firearm is lost or stolen until such loss or theft is reported to the police department or sheriff

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which has jurisdiction in the county, town or city in which such owner resides.

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     (c) Any person who owns a firearm on the effective date of this section shall obtain the

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insurance required by this section within thirty (30) days of such effective date.

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     (d) Evidence of insurance shall be kept where firearms are stored or when transported.

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     (e) Proof of liability insurance shall be shown to law enforcement during a lawful

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encounter.

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     (f) This requirement shall not apply to active duty law enforcement or active duty military

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personnel.

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     (g) The department of business regulation is hereby authorized to promulgate rules and

 

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regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO INSURANCE -- LIABILITY INSURANCE

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     This act would require individuals who own firearms to obtain and continuously maintain

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a policy of liability insurance in an amount of not less than one million ($1,000,000) dollars. Active

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duty law enforcement and military are exempt from this requirement.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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