Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to enhance public safety by ensuring that all law enforcement agencies in Minnesota trace and report on firearms that are recovered or confiscated. The intent is to improve the tracking of these firearms and facilitate better crime investigation and prevention strategies.

Main Provisions

• Mandatory Registration and Reporting:

  • All law enforcement agencies in Minnesota are required to register for and utilize the eTrace system, a tool provided by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This system helps trace firearms involved in crimes.
  • Agencies must also opt into the eTrace system's collective data-sharing feature, allowing for centralized tracking and data sharing.

• Firearm and Ballistics Reporting:

  • When a law enforcement agency recovers or confiscates a firearm, they must input detailed information about the firearm into the eTrace system promptly.
  • The agency must test fire the firearm, if applicable, and submit the results to the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN) for further investigation.
  • If a shell casing is recovered, the agency must submit the ballistics information to NIBIN as soon as possible.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• New Requirement for Law Enforcement: Currently, registration with or reporting to the eTrace system may not be consistently implemented across all agencies in Minnesota. This bill mandates such actions, standardizing the process statewide.
• Enhanced Data Sharing: By requiring agencies to participate in the eTrace system's collective data feature, the bill seeks to enhance collaboration among law enforcement agencies, leading to more effective crime-solving and prevention.

Relevant Terms

etrace, law enforcement agencies, Minnesota Statutes, firearms, recovered firearms, confiscated firearms, test firing, National Integrated Ballistics Information Network, shell casing, public safety, data sharing, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, ballistics information.