In yet another attempt to snoop around in matters that aren’t any of their business, the California State Assembly is considering a measure that would make insurance companies include questions on an application for homeowners’ or renters’ insurance concerning the number of firearms in the home.
The bill, AB 3067 by Democrat assemblyman Mike Gipson specifies: “In addition to existing regulations, an application for homeowners’ or renters’ insurance shall include questions regarding all of the following: (1) Whether there are firearms kept in the household, including in any accessory structures, and if so, how many. (2) Whether the firearm, if any, is stored in a locked container in the home, including any accessory structures, while not in use. (3) The number of firearms kept in a vehicle located on the property subject to the applicable insurance policy, and if any, whether they are stored securely in a locked container while not in use.”
The proposal not only mandates insurance companies to inquire about gun possession, but also to funnel this data to the state government annually. As with most such measures considered in California, this one is almost certainly unconstitutional.
Of course, that doesn’t always matter to anti-gun legislators. If they pass the bill and it’s signed into law, it will take at least a couple of years to get it tossed out by the courts. At that time, gun-ban advocates can simply pass another such bill if they wish, and the whole escapade will start again.
The insurance bill comes on the heels of another measure introduced last week that also seeks to gather information about the guns owned by lawful California gun owners.
SB 1160 requires annual registration of all firearms owned or possessed with the California Department of Justice. It also imposes an annual registration fee that can be adjusted (higher, of course) as the California government sees fit. Additionally, the bill would prohibit possession of an “unregistered” firearm, a violation of which would be punishable as an infraction.
“Except as specifically exempted in Section 25288, every firearm that is kept in this state shall be annually registered with the department by the owner of that firearm as required in this division,” the bill states. “Annual registration shall be accomplished in a manner and form prescribed by the department. Annual registration shall include the payment of an initial or renewal registration fee in an amount determined by the department.”
The measure also provides an “out” for gun owners who do not wish to register their guns—simply forfeit them to the state.
“Any person choosing not to register a firearm they own may surrender the firearm to any local law enforcement agency,” the measure states. “A firearm surrendered pursuant to this section shall, for purposes of this part, be deemed a nuisance and is subject to the provisions of Sections 18000 and 18005.”
