The bill amends Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 140, Section 131Q, to enhance the reporting and tracking of firearms seized by law enforcement. It introduces new legal language that mandates detailed documentation for each firearm, including the city of seizure, type of weapon, whether it was obtained illegally, and its make, model, serial number, and caliber. This aims to improve transparency and accountability in the handling of crime guns, providing law enforcement agencies with a more organized database for crime analysis and prevention strategies. The bill also emphasizes the importance of tracking the types of crimes associated with seized firearms, thereby offering a clearer understanding of the relationship between gun crime and the firearms used.
Additionally, the bill modifies existing legal language to reflect updated statistics and reporting requirements, specifying the number of guns seized in various municipalities, particularly those classified as stolen. The 2024 report indicated a total of 2,389 crime guns seized, with a focus on the involvement of prohibited persons and gang activity in firearm-related crimes. By enhancing data collection and reporting practices, the bill seeks to strengthen the framework for monitoring and addressing gun-related crimes, ultimately aiding law enforcement and public safety officials in their efforts to combat gun violence.