City lawmakers have passed an ordinance that requires gun owners in San Jose, California to have insurance coverage for their weapons this move is believed to be the first of its kind in the United States.

City Council members on Tuesday night passed a measure requiring San Jose gun owners to have a homeowner's, renter's or gun liability insurance policy that covers losses or damages resulting from negligent or accidental use of their firearm.

Gun owners will also be required to pay a small annual gun harm reduction fee that will go to evidence-based initiatives to reduce gun violence and gun harm, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo said in a statement.

"Thank you to my council colleagues who continue to show their commitment to reducing gun violence and its devastation in our community," Liccardo said. He said his city is the first in U.S. to have such an ordinance.

The decision still needs to be approved next month at its final reading to take effect in August, local media reported.

California became the first state to ban assault weapons in 1989 after a school shooting in which five children were killed. Six other states and the District of Columbia have an assault weapons ban in place, according to the gun safety group Giffords.

(With input from agencies)