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Colorado lawmaker proposes liability law for assault weapons owners, sellers
KMGH ^ | Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Posted on 02/27/2013 1:27:42 PM PST by Red Steel

Senate President John Morse proposed bill

DENVER - Sellers and owners of assault weapons could be liable for damages caused by shootings under a bill proposed by Colorado's Democratic Senate president.

The bill is being introduced in the state Senate on Wednesday. Colorado Springs Sen. John Morse says his goal is to make assault weapon owners and sellers responsible for what he calls dangerous weapons.

"The bill I envision... it will deem these guns as unreasonably dangerous," said Morse. "It will not ban them, it will just hold people strictly liable, strictly responsible for what occurs. The effect is that everyone in the chain will be responsible for the actions of that gun."

"It will only apply to military-style assault weapons, firearms that are not handguns, bolt action rifles or shotguns," said Morse.

Critics of Morse's bill say it's a backdoor way to ban assault weapons. Republicans have also said Morse's idea may conflict with a 2005 federal law that protects gun makers and sellers from liability for crimes committed with their products.

Morse says jurors would decide whether sellers or owners should be held liable in individual cases.

The bill is part of a package of Democratic proposals in response to recent mass shootings. Other bills call for universal background checks for gun purchases and a ban on high-capacity magazines.


TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; US: Colorado
KEYWORDS: banglist
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1 posted on 02/27/2013 1:27:46 PM PST by Red Steel
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To: Red Steel

These people are mad to try to control others so closely.


2 posted on 02/27/2013 1:30:41 PM PST by Paladin2
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To: Red Steel

Bite me, commies! The law means nothing to you so don’t expect it to mean anything to me.


3 posted on 02/27/2013 1:33:52 PM PST by TigersEye (The irresponsible should not be leading the responsible.)
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To: Red Steel

“The effect is that everyone in the chain will be responsible for the actions of that gun.”

You know, the gun that walks around by itself and shoots people randomly.

Another incredibly stupid politician.


4 posted on 02/27/2013 1:36:21 PM PST by headstamp 2 (What would Scooby do?)
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To: Red Steel

Let me know when they propose making automobile, beer and other suppliers accountable when their products are misused.


5 posted on 02/27/2013 1:37:13 PM PST by thackney (life is fragile, handle with prayer)
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To: headstamp 2

Nothing like trying to pass a law that has already been decided against in court.


6 posted on 02/27/2013 1:37:24 PM PST by USNBandit (sarcasm engaged at all times)
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To: Red Steel

Why not mandate personal liability insurance coverage for lawmakers who vote for laws which are enacted but then later overturned by high courts for being unconstitutional.


7 posted on 02/27/2013 1:40:49 PM PST by Ron H. (Hussein Obama, the 21st century American Balkanizer - 'Yes I Can')
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To: thackney

How about the damage from Democrat voters.


8 posted on 02/27/2013 1:42:00 PM PST by xone
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To: Red Steel

So, will Colorado sellers of beer, wine and liquor be responsible if someone they sell to drives drunk and causes an accident?


9 posted on 02/27/2013 1:45:03 PM PST by july4thfreedomfoundation (November 6, 2012.....A day that will live in infamy!)
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To: FReepers; Patriots; FRiends



Let's Put This Baby To Bed!!
Less Than $1.1k To Go Green!!
Please Help End This Quarter's FReepathon


10 posted on 02/27/2013 1:46:42 PM PST by onyx (FREE REPUBLIC IS HERE TO STAY! DONATE MONTHLY! IF YOU WANT ON SARAH PALIN''S PING LIST, LET ME KNOW)
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To: Red Steel

I got transferred here back in 1991 and considered Colorado home. Looking into Wyoming. There will go 6 jobs and some pretty hefty taxes we pay.


11 posted on 02/27/2013 1:50:33 PM PST by x1stcav (Man up! We're all going to have to become Samuel Whittemores.)
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To: Red Steel

That is what the registration is all about, making it easier to trace the owner of the gun and make him liable for any crimes that take place using his gun if it is still registered to him.


12 posted on 02/27/2013 1:52:07 PM PST by Eva
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To: Red Steel

How about liability insurance for paroled felons that reoffend and hurt others? I’d like to see judges and lawyers held accountable for their reckless actions.


13 posted on 02/27/2013 1:55:49 PM PST by GP100
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To: Eva
That is what the registration is all about, making it easier to trace the owner of the gun and make him liable for any crimes that take place using his gun if it is still registered to him.

While I agree yor scenario is a likely side effect, the purpose of registration is confiscation.

14 posted on 02/27/2013 2:03:32 PM PST by ez (Laws only apply to little people. Criminals, politicians, and newsies are exempt.)
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To: Red Steel

When they do this with cars, maybe-—NOT!


15 posted on 02/27/2013 2:07:33 PM PST by Smokin' Joe (How often God must weep at humans' folly. Stand fast. God knows what He is doing)
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To: Red Steel

This wouldn’t apply to 99% of the firearms owners because ASSAULT weapons are full auto, not semi-automatic.


16 posted on 02/27/2013 2:30:42 PM PST by Renegade
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To: headstamp 2

I gave all my guns a good talking to. They know to always hold my hand and when I put them down for bed in their rooms, they’re not allowed to come out until I come and get them.


17 posted on 02/27/2013 2:38:43 PM PST by Repeat Offender (What good are conservative principles if we don't stand by them?)
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To: Red Steel

The sellers part is too ridiculous for words and violates Federal law protection gun sellers and manufacturers from these frivolous lawsuits.

As for the owners part, if someone grossly negiligent in letting a person they know is likely to harm others use their weapon (”assault” or otherwise) car, hammer, cigarette lighter or whatever, they could already be held liable. Other than that, I have a novel idea, why not hold the MURDERERS liable?

How about a law holding Gun Grabbing politicians personally liable for all people killed or injured in “gun free zones” that they either voted for or failed to vote for the repeal of, in any case where it is reasonably likely that an armed citizen could have prevented the attack or reduced the injury and/or death toll?


18 posted on 02/27/2013 2:49:53 PM PST by Above My Pay Grade
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To: Red Steel
everyone in the chain will be responsible for the actions of that gun

Words fail me.

An uncommon occurrence - ask my wife.

19 posted on 02/27/2013 2:51:35 PM PST by grobdriver (Vivere liberi aut mori)
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To: Red Steel

These guys don’t seem to know the difference between -criminal- and -civil- actions. As a civil matter, owners are already liable for the damage they do with their guns. There is nothing for a legislature to do.


20 posted on 02/27/2013 3:18:34 PM PST by Ramius (Personally, I give us one chance in three. More tea anyone?)
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