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Bill would require serial numbers on bullets

Star Telegram/Associated Press

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A state Senate committee approved a proposal Tuesday to put a serial number on every handgun bullet made or sold in California.

The measure cleared the Senate Public Safety Committee on a 4-2 vote over opposition from manufacturers, firearms dealers and sport shooters.

The technology exists to laser-cut bullets with a number that police could use to trace who purchased bullets used in crimes, said Democratic sponsor Sen. Joseph Dunn.

Purchasers would pay up to a half a cent per bullet to fund record-keeping by the state Department of Justice. Vendors would pay up to $50 a year.

“We’ll solve a lot of crimes if this becomes law,” said Attorney General Bill Lockyer.

If approved by the Legislature, the law would take effect in July 2007.