I was recently asked by the New York State Bar Association/NYSBA to write an article about my microstamping legislation. The article, entitled “Microstamping Guns: A Tool to Help Solve Gun Crimes in New York,” was published in the Summer 2012 issue of the NYSBA Journal.
I have been introducing a microstamping bill in the New York State Assembly since 2008. The measure has been approved by the assembly every year since 2008 but has not been passed by the state senate.
Microstamping is a ballistic identification technology, which utilizes a laser-based process that makes microstamping marks on components within a firearm. As a gun is fired, an identifying tracking code is transferred to the expended cartridge ejected from the firearm. The bill has widespread support from law enforcement, elected officials, and the media.
I was honored to be asked to submit an article to the NYSBA Government, Law, and Policy Journal. Having my article published, only recognizes the importance of microstamping technology in the discussion of criminal justice and law enforcement. The NYSBA Summer Volume contains a “Who’s Who” of criminal justice advocates. What a thrill for me!
Michelle Schimel is the New York State Assembly representative for the 16th Assembly District. She was first elected in a Special Election held on March 27, 2007.
