Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to enhance public safety by requiring law enforcement agencies in Minnesota to systematically trace and report firearms that have been recovered or confiscated. This involves using national systems to track firearms and gather ballistics information.

Main Provisions

• Mandatory Registration: All law enforcement agencies are required to register with the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' eTrace system. This system aids in tracking the movement of firearms from their source.

• Data Sharing: Agencies must opt into eTrace's collective data sharing feature, fostering collaboration and information sharing between different jurisdictions.

• Firearm Tracing: Whenever a firearm is recovered or confiscated, agencies must promptly transmit detailed information to the eTrace system and arrange for the firearm to be test fired. The results are to be submitted to the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN).

• Shell Casing Reporting: Similarly, if a shell casing is recovered, agencies must submit ballistics information to NIBIN as soon as possible. This helps in matching evidence from crime scenes to specific firearms.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Trace and Report Requirement: This legislation introduces a new requirement for law enforcement agencies to actively trace and report on firearms and shell casings, which isn't standard practice under current laws.

• Integration with National Systems: The law mandates the use of national systems like eTrace and NIBIN, which marks a shift towards greater integration and reliance on federal resources for local law enforcement.

Relevant Terms

etrace system, law enforcement, firearms tracing, public safety, national tracing centers, alcohol tobacco firearms, shell casing, ballistics information, data sharing, confiscated firearms, recovered firearms, NIBIN, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives.