The bill amends Section 11-47-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 11-47, which pertains to weapons, by introducing a new definition for "crime gun," defined as any firearm used in a crime or identified by law enforcement as suspected of having been used in a criminal offense. The bill also establishes a new section, 12-1-10.2, in Chapter 12-1, which mandates that law enforcement submit any seized crime guns or at least two test-fired cartridge cases to the state crime laboratory or the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF) for ballistic testing and entry into the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN).

Additionally, the bill specifies that if a firearm is seized that is not classified as a "crime gun," no ballistic testing shall occur. It also provides that if an individual is acquitted of all charges related to a firearm that underwent ballistic testing, they may file a motion to have the test results deleted from NIBIN or any other database, unless the firearm is relevant evidence in an unrelated criminal investigation or prosecution. The legislation aims to enhance the tracking and tracing of firearms used in crimes while providing protections for individuals who are acquitted or exonerated. This act would take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5130: 11-47-2
5130  SUB A: 11-47-2