Bill Analysis
S2283 creates a new § 9-1-55, a civil cause of action allowing licensed firearm carriers who suffer injury on commercial property with a no-firearms posting to sue the property owner when the injury could have been avoided if they had been allowed to carry.
The Key Change
A licensed carrier who is injured – or killed – on real property (excluding residences) that is posted with a written no-firearms notice may bring a civil action against the property owner for damages, including physical, emotional, and economic harm. To prevail, the plaintiff must show they were authorized to carry, they left their firearm behind because of the posted notice, the injury could have been avoided if they had been allowed to carry, and the property owner chose to post the notice voluntarily rather than being required to by law. The statute of limitations is three years.
What It Means for Gun Owners
Commercial property owners who post no-firearms signs currently face no legal consequence if a licensed carrier is victimized on their property. S2283 changes that by creating financial accountability. Property owners would have to weigh the risk of liability before posting signs that disarm people who have legally exercised their right to carry.
Email and Petition
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