The test was conducted at the California Highway Patrol range by California State Assemblyman Paul Koretz, a West Hollywood Democrat. The results were verified by a representative of the California Criminalistics Institute.

Microstamping technology utilizes lasers to make precise, microscopic engravings on the breech face and firing pin of a gun. As the gun is fired, information including the make and model of the gun is stamped onto the cartridge. Koretz is the sponsor of AB-352, a bill that would require gun manufacturers to include a microstamp on every newly designed and manufactured handgun. The bill passed the Assembly in 2005, but Koretz agreed to conduct a demonstration of the technology at the request of Assemblyman Jay LaSuer, a San Diego Republican, before moving the legislation to the Senate.

"With microstamping technology now proven, pro-NRA legislators are out of excuses for stalling on AB-352," said Coalition to Stop Gun Violence Executive Director Joshua Horwitz. "It's time for the California legislature and Governor to make this historic legislation law and give police across the state the resources they need to solve gun crimes and bring justice to the families and survivors of homicide victims."

"This is a very exciting development. The testing was a good approach to ensure that this new system can live up to its promise. Now, the time has come to put this technology to work," said Michael D. Barnes, president of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.

Despite Koretz' efforts to accommodate him, LaSuer failed to attend Monday's test. "I am very disappointed that Assemblyman LaSuer decided to back out of the event," said Koretz. "I feel satisfied that we were able to objectively demonstrate that microstamping technology works."

The technology promises to greatly aid law enforcement officials in investigating homicides and other crimes by allowing them to easily trace firearms through shell casings found at crime scenes. Currently, only 55 percent of homicide investigations in the state result in the arrest of a suspect, primarily because of a lack of evidence. For this reason, AB-352 has the support of State Attorney General Bill Lockyer and over 45 police chiefs and sheriffs from across California.

AB-352 will now be considered by the California Senate. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has yet to indicate whether he would sign the bill if it reaches his desk.

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