The Special Legislative Commission on Emerging Firearm Technology on July 20 recommended that the Massachusetts General Court pursue legislation modeled on California and New York to study and, if feasible, require microstamping on newly registered semiautomatic handguns.

The recommendation directs the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPS) to evaluate the feasibility and viability of microstamping technology, including forensic recovery processes, laboratory equipment needs, practitioner training, and time required for data recovery. It also directs EOPS to establish standards and testing criteria and to determine licensure and training for individuals and entities that service microstamp-enabled firearms.

Under the proposal, a statutory requirement that newly registered semiautomatic handguns be equipped with microstamping would not take effect until EOPS issues a regulatory finding that the technology meets feasibility and viability criteria. The recommendation also calls for penalties for manufacturers, distributors and merchants who fail to comply, penalties for individuals who tamper with microstamping features, and appropriation of funding to support feasibility analysis and any required upgrades to state data systems and laboratory capacity.

Commissioners voted on the recommendation by roll call; the tally reported in the transcript was 9 yes, 3 no and 1 abstention, and the recommendation passed. The transcript does not record a mover or a second for the motion.

Why it matters: Microstamping is presented in the report as a forensics tool that could aid investigations and prosecutions by linking crime‑scene evidence to particular firearms; the commission’s recommendation would create a state-led technical and policy review before any compliance mandate takes effect.

What comes next: If the General Court acts on the commission’s recommendation, EOPS would be asked to complete the feasibility and standards work called for in the report before any statutory requirement becomes effective.