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Bill

Bill

S 2158

Stopping the Fraudulent Sale of Firearms Act

119th Congress Introduced by Richard Blumenthal and 5 co-sponsors

Bill S 2158 establishes a database for tracking microstamped firearms, aiding law enforcement in investigations and enhancing public safety by reducing gun violence.

Introduced in Senate
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 2158

Summary of Bill S 2158

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: S 2158
  • Title: Requires the division of criminal justice services to establish and maintain a database of information relating to the sale or use of microstamped guns in the state.
  • Status: Referred to Codes
  • Introduced On: January 15, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill S 2158 is to enhance public safety and improve law enforcement capabilities by establishing a comprehensive database that tracks the sale and use of microstamped firearms within the state. Microstamping technology allows firearms to imprint a unique code on shell casings when fired, which can be used to trace the weapon back to its owner. This bill aims to facilitate investigations and reduce gun violence by providing law enforcement with critical information.

Key Provisions

  • Database Establishment: The bill mandates the Division of Criminal Justice Services to create and maintain a database specifically for microstamped guns.
  • Information Tracking: The database will include detailed records of the sale and use of microstamped firearms, which may encompass:
    • Manufacturer details
    • Retailer information
    • Purchaser identification
    • Incident reports involving microstamped firearms
  • Access for Law Enforcement: The database will be accessible to law enforcement agencies, enabling them to retrieve information quickly during criminal investigations.

Impact

  • Law Enforcement: The bill is expected to significantly aid law enforcement agencies in solving gun-related crimes by providing them with a reliable source of information about microstamped firearms.
  • Gun Owners and Retailers: Gun owners and retailers may be subject to new regulations regarding the sale and documentation of microstamped firearms. This could lead to increased compliance requirements.
  • Public Safety: By improving the ability to trace firearms used in crimes, the bill aims to enhance overall public safety and potentially reduce gun violence in the state.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: As of January 15, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Codes Committee for further consideration.
  • Related Legislation: This bill is related to several prior-session bills, including:
    • S 7456
    • A 8131
    • S 632
    • A 3021 (companion bill)

Conclusion

Bill S 2158 represents a proactive approach to addressing gun violence through the use of technology and data. By establishing a database for microstamped firearms, the bill seeks to empower law enforcement and enhance public safety, while also imposing new requirements on gun sales and ownership. The bill is currently under review by the Codes Committee, and its progression will be closely monitored by stakeholders in law enforcement, public safety, and the firearms industry.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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