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." A "crime gun" is defined as any firearm used in a crime or identified by law enforcement as suspected of having been used in a criminal offense.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section, 12-1-10.2, to Chapter 12-1, which mandates that in cases where a crime gun is seized, the arresting or investigating police department must submit the firearm or at least two test-fired cartridge cases to the state crime laboratory, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF), or any qualified law enforcement agency with certified personnel for forensic ballistics examinations. The test-fired cartridge cases must be entered into the national integrated ballistic information network (NIBIN). The police department is also required to submit any relevant information about the firearm, including its make, model, and serial number, to the BATF for tracing.

The act is set to take effect upon passage, enhancing the state's ability to track and analyze firearms involved in criminal activities.

Statutes affected:
569: 11-47-2