What is Microstamping?
Microstamping is a technology that allows particular guns to be identified by
shell casings recovered at crime scenes. Guns with microstamping technology
have a serial number engraved on internal surfaces. When the gun is fired, the
serial number is automatically stamped onto the cartridge casing.
In October 2007, Governor Schwarzenegger signed a first-of-its-kind microstamping
law in Californa, AB 1471.
About California's Crime Gun Identification Act of 2007 (AB 1471)
- The bill will require newly developed models of semiautomatic pistols introduced
in California to have microstamping technology starting in 2010.
- Current law: Existing California law says that before a handgun can
be sold in the state, it must be tested and certified as safe.
- New Requirement: This bill would say that starting in 2010, new models
of semi-automatic handguns must have microstamping technology in order
to be certified. They must leave at least 2 microscopic impressions of
the gun's serial number on a shell casing when fired.
- Scope of application: Law would apply to any person in the state "who
manufactures or causes to be manufactured, imports into the state for
sale, keeps for sale, offers or exposes for sale, gives, or lends any
unsafe handgun."
- Exceptions: The bill would not apply to:
- Revolvers (which do not discard shell casings and so would not generate
useful evidence with microstamping); or
- Models of pistols that have already been certified before 2010 (they
are grandfathered).
Prior to final passage, the new California microstamping bill got the support
of California Police Chiefs Association; Police Officers Research Association
of California; Los Angeles County Police Chiefs' Association; Los Angeles Police
Protective League; Orange County Chiefs' and Sheriff's Association; and 65 individual
police chiefs and sheriffs - as well as mayors and government officials throughout
the state.
Read
the full text of California's new microstamping law (in PDF)
Other Pending Microstamping Legislation
- Microstamping bills have been introduced in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
