A New Kind of Tracer Bullet

A proposed law requiring ammunition sold in California to carry individual ID markings has passed its first hurdle in a State Senate committee. This brings up the question of exactly what the intent of this law really is. Advocates--including those in law enforcement--say it will make it easier to trace suspected criminals who use guns. Reducing crime is all very well and good, but this law would go beyond simple identification to impose a significant burden on ammunition manufacturers, either driving them out of business, or out of the California market. The result could easily be a new black market for criminals, combined with an increasingly defenseless citizenry dependent on California's semi-socialist nanny state for their "protection." The second part, at least, is likely a driving force behind this bill. After all, increasing dependency and decreasing freedoms has often been a way of life for the government in the Golden State.