Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to enhance public safety by mandating Minnesota law enforcement agencies to trace and report on firearms that are recovered or confiscated. This is intended to assist in criminal investigations and prevent crime.

Main Provisions

1. Registration with eTrace System:

   • All Minnesota law enforcement agencies must register for the eTrace system, managed by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
   • Agencies are required to opt into the system’s data-sharing feature.

2. Tracing Firearms:

   • When a firearm is recovered or confiscated, agencies must quickly transmit details about the firearm to the eTrace system.

3. Ballistics Reporting:

   • Agencies must have recovered or confiscated firearms test-fired and submit the results to the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN).

4. Shell Casings:

   • Any recovered or confiscated shell casings must be submitted to NIBIN as soon as possible.

Significant Changes

• This bill introduces a new requirement for law enforcement agencies to use federal systems for tracking firearms and ballistics information, promoting consistent data sharing and potentially aiding in the resolution of firearm-related crimes.

Relevant Terms

• Public Safety
• Law Enforcement
• Firearms
• eTrace System
• Ballistics
• National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN)
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
• Crime Investigation