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Read. Follow. Verify.Massachusetts bill requires gun owners to carry liability insurance under threat of fines and imprisonment
Last action · March 26, 2026: Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27)Sponsor: David Linsky
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What This Bill Would Do
Massachusetts House Bill 1836 requires anyone who possesses, carries, or owns a firearm, rifle, or shotgun to maintain a liability policy, bond, or deposit. Violations are punishable by a fine ranging from $500 to $5,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both. The requirement exempts individuals who possess a firearm temporarily while on the premises of a licensed gun club.
Gun owners across Massachusetts face new financial and legal obligations to maintain liability insurance coverage or risk criminal penalties and monetary fines.
- David Paul Linsky represents the 5th Middlesex District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives and frequently files gun control legislation. context
- The bill was accompanied by a study order (H5281) under House Rule 27 during the 194th legislative session. context
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Firearm owners
Firearm, rifle, and shotgun owners are required to obtain and maintain liability insurance or a bond, and face fines or imprisonment if they fail to do so.
Commissioner of insurance
The commissioner is tasked with promulgating regulations setting forth the minimum terms of liability insurance policies.
Licensed gun clubs
Venues operating as licensed gun clubs serve as locations where temporary possessors are exempt from the insurance mandate.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who must obtain liability insurance under this bill?
What are the penalties for failing to have the required liability insurance?
Are there any exemptions to the insurance requirement?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
5 actions- Mar 26, 2026HouseAccompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27)
- Oct 20, 2025JointHearing scheduled for 07/29/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:10 PM in A-2
- Jul 29, 2025JointHearing rescheduled to 07/29/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:10 PM in A-2 and Virtual<br> <span style="color: blue; font-style: italic;">Hearing updated to New End Time</span>
- Feb 27, 2025SenateSenate concurred
- Feb 27, 2025HouseCommitteeReferred to the committee on The Judiciary
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
malegislature.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance75How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy90Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz65Current news / social attention level
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