NJ progresses on gun microstamping measures after delays.
Implementing Microstamp Technology: A Step Closer to Safer Communities
After months of delays, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin is making progress towards implementing a groundbreaking law that will revolutionize firearm sales in the state.
In 2022, Democratic New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed a law that paved the way for the adoption of microstamp technology on firearms sold within the state. This innovative technology involves imprinting unique identifiers on spent shell casings, allowing investigators to easily trace them back to the firearm that fired them.
While the 2022 microstamping law falls short of mandating the technology on all firearms, Attorney General Platkin’s office is diligently exploring its feasibility and establishing a roster for qualifying firearms.
Related Stories
On Tuesday, Attorney General Platkin unveiled the standards and submission process for firearms to be included on the state’s roster of “microstamping-enabled firearms” under the 2022 law. Once certified, all gun stores in New Jersey will be required to carry at least one microstamp-enabled firearm for purchase.
Although the implementation of these new standards and procedures has faced delays, Attorney General Platkin remains optimistic about the potential impact on public safety.
“This amazing yet straightforward technology – imprinting unique identifiers on the firing pin of firearms—will have a profound impact on public safety across the state,” said Mr. Platkin. “Thanks to Governor Murphy, New Jersey is a national leader in innovative approaches to reducing gun violence, and microstamping is the latest example of that. Its adoption will aid our law enforcement officers in swiftly identifying crime guns and holding perpetrators accountable.”
Microstamp Laws Face Hurdles
New Jersey is not the only state grappling with the adoption of firearm microstamping technology.
In neighboring New York, the Democrat-majority state legislature passed its own firearm microstamping law in June 2022. However, the technology’s viability is still being determined, and performance requirements have yet to be established.
Similarly, California enacted its own law for firearm microstamp technology in 2007. Despite this, the state has not approved the sale of any new handguns featuring the technology. Gun stores continue to sell older handgun models that predate the law.
In a recent ruling, U.S. District Judge Cormac Carney granted an injunction blocking the California attorney general’s office from penalizing sales of new firearm models without microstamping technology. Judge Carney cited the technology’s lack of feasibility and practicality on a broad scale.
As the journey towards implementing microstamp technology continues, New Jersey stands at the forefront of innovative solutions to enhance public safety.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
