Senate Bill Would Force Gun Owners to Buy “Smart Guns”

Massachusetts Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren introduced legislation last week, that could have serious ramifications for gun owners in America. The “Handgun Trigger Safety Act” would demand that “anyone selling a handgun must retrofit it with personalization technology before that sale can be completed.”

Infusing a handgun with this “smart” technology would allow the weapon to only be used by the authorized owner. They typically operate with either fingerprinting technology, password recognition, or by being in range of an electronic bracelet or ring. The bill would ban the manufacture of any handgun in the United States that is not “personalized” within 5 years, and would give an additional 5 years time to retrofit any older handguns with the technology before they are sold.

Gun activists are sure to see this as an underhanded attempt restrict gun ownership by making these weapons too expensive to own. Currently, one of the few smart guns on the market today is a .22 that costs $1,800. It also opens the door to placing micro stamps, tracking devices, and other electronic controls in new firearms. Perhaps someday, your gun will be much like your car. The authorities will be able to “turn it off” remotely.