• The California microstamping law passed in 2007 -- that requires new models of semi-automatic handguns to stamp a unique code on discharged cartridge cases -- is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2010.
• However, as previously reported, its implementation will very likely be delayed due to a provision in the law requiring that the California Attorney General must first certify that the microstamping technology is "unencumbered by patent restrictions," in the public domain, and available to all firearms manufacturers, which has yet to be proven.
• Although the California law is not likely to take effect on January 1st, it now appears that the California Department of Justice is beginning to take the steps necessary to ensure that the law be implemented at some future date during 2010.
• Since no manufacturer is currently producing a firearm capable of microstamping a cartridge case, it will effectively ban new handgun sales in California.
• California was the first state to pass a microstamping law (although Washington D.C. has passed similar legislation), while five states have introduced microstamping proposals so far this year (Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and Wisconsin) and several additional states are said to be awaiting the outcome in California before proceeding with their own bills.
• A proposed national microstamping law was introduced in the U.S. Congress early last year, but never advanced.