Leaders support gun stamping law
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City and county leaders voiced support Tuesday for a proposed federal law that would require semiautomatic pistols sold after January 2010 to have “micro-stamping” technology that allows police to match bullet casings with weapons.
The City Council approved a resolution endorsing the National Crime Gun Identification Act.
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton and Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca also declared their support for the measure written by Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-Los Angeles).
The officials, joined by Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, appeared with Becerra at a news conference in South Los Angeles.
California lawmakers approved a similar law last year.
Through the micro-stamping process, lasers etch tiny marks on a gun’s internal surfaces that identify make, model and serial number.
The information is stamped on bullet casings when the gun is fired, giving police important clues to help solve shootings, Becerra said.
His bill, and a companion measure in the U.S. Senate, would require fines for companies that do not comply.
The measures are opposed by the National Rifle Assn.
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