Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to enhance public safety by requiring law enforcement agencies in Minnesota to participate in a federal firearm tracing system. This will help in tracking recovered or confiscated firearms more efficiently.

Main Provisions

• Mandatory Registration: Law enforcement agencies in Minnesota must register with the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' (ATF) eTrace system.
• Data Sharing: Agencies are required to opt into the eTrace system's collective data-sharing feature, facilitating better cooperation and information sharing among agencies.
• Reporting Procedures: When firearms or shell casings are recovered or confiscated, the relevant law enforcement agency must:
  • Submit information about the firearms to the eTrace system promptly.
  • Test fire the firearms and submit the results to the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN).
  • Submit ballistics information of shell casings to NIBIN as soon as practicable.

Significant Changes

This bill introduces a requirement for law enforcement to trace and report firearms through federal systems, specifically the eTrace system and NIBIN, which was not a formal requirement before.

Relevant Terms

• eTrace system
• Firearm tracing
• Ballistics information
• National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN)
• Law enforcement reporting
• Gun control laws