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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. John Myers |
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Myers introduces new bill to combat gun violence
HARRISBURG, April 15 – State Rep. John Myers, D-Phila., wants to give authorities a new tool that could lead to quicker apprehension of shooting suspects and provide enhanced evidence to aid in their prosecution.
Myers has introduced a bill (H.B. 2228) that would require all ammunition sold in Pennsylvania to have a code imprinted on the projectile to allow it to be traced. The laser-etched serial code would remain intact, even if a recovered bullet was badly distorted, and could be read with a standard magnifying glass.
The bill also would create a statewide database that could be referred to when a bullet is recovered at a crime scene.
Myers said most of the time, investigators arriving at a shooting scene find only a bullet and a victim. Often, the crime goes unsolved and the criminal continues to victimize society and possibly take more lives.
Myers said his bill would allow for the use of a new technology that would essentially create a DNA for bullets -- ammunition coding. As soon as a bullet is found at a crime scene or recovered from a victim, the code on it could be read and run through a statewide database to determine who purchased the ammunition, and where and when, providing a valuable lead.
Unlike many other gun-tracing technologies, ammunition coding is simple and cost-effective. It does not require ballistics specialists, forensic labs or sophisticated electronics.
The process would be similar to law enforcement’s use of license plate numbers to track stolen vehicles; ammunition coding technology would provide the same advantage in the investigation of shootings. But instead of just recovery of a stolen car, ammunition coding could enhance public safety – and even save lives.
Myers emphasized that ammunition coding is not a form of gun registration and would not take away anyone’s right to bear arms. Law-abiding citizens could still buy, carry, sell, own and shoot guns as they do now.
"If we begin coding bullets, we take a big step toward identifying those who misuse firearms and we do it without infringing on responsible gun owners," Myers said. "Ultimately, we make all Pennsylvanians safer."
The bill is under consideration in the House Judiciary Committee.
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