The following are thoughts on our current mass shooting epidemic, particularly at schools.
It would seem to be a given that banning guns of any type is a non-starter. Any action that would appear to threaten the second amendment of the U. S. Constitution stiffens the resolve to fight that possibility to the highest degree.
We must focus our approach to this problem on what has been often referred to as “American Excellence.” In this case, that refers to the use of technology to approach the issue of mass shootings from schools, concerts, and other highly attended venues.
Respectfully I propose the investigation of the following:
All semi or fully-automatic weapons (or other guns as congress deems appropriate) shall be manufactured as of January 1, 2024 (date subject to adjustment) with a computer chip installed that is tied into the firing mechanism of said weapon. This will be done at the expense of the manufacturer. This chip would be similar to what can be sent by car rental companies or some vehicle manufacturers to incapacitate stolen cars.
Existing weapons under the jurisdiction of this legislation will have the chip installed at the federal government’s expense. This installation would need to be done by the date within the bill. Said chip shall be installed to make the chip removal, altering, or tampering as difficult as possible.
The federal government will pay to install it in all public schools throughout the country and U. S. territories have a wireless system/signal that will activate the chip and block the firing mechanism of the chipped weapons. A backup battery system will be included within the wireless system. This system would be made available to private schools or other public/private venues as the legislation deems appropriate. Military, peace officers, and other organizations weapons deemed appropriate by congress would not be subject to this legislation. All weapons subject to this legislation will be recorded in a database, including serial number, chip installation date, verification inspection, and next scheduled inspection.
Weapons covered under this legislation will be inspected once yearly for the proper working of the chip. There will be an inspection fee of $ 100. (Subject to change) payable by the registered gun owner. Weapons not inspected at the mandated time (with a reasonable grace period) will be subject to confiscation for a period not to exceed six months for the first offense, two years for the second offense, and a lifetime ban for the third offense. A lifetime ban will result in the forfeiture of the weapon.
Weapons not applied for reinstatement within two months of a six-month ban and four months of a two-year ban, as well as forfeited weapons, will be resold by the government, subject to all current laws on the legality of the purchase. Proceeds of such sales will be used to mitigate the government institution of this legislation. Proceeds of government inspection will do the same. Fees charged shall be reasonable and not punitive.
Any weapon covered under this legislation that is not presented for installation of the chip or in any weapon found through inspection to have been altered to make the chip inactive shall be confiscated. The owner can apply for reinstatement per the above inspection rules. The altered weapon will have the chip installed or the mechanism repaired to working order at the gun owner’s expense. The gun owner shall also bear reasonable fees or fines.
Manufacturers, inspection entities, gun shows, and private sales will be required to furnish information to a national database. Failure to do so will result in reasonable fines and possible license suspension (with established times and methods for reinstatement) where such license exists.
Beyond those venues that the Government deems should be paid for by the U S taxpayers, this wireless system will be made available for private venues with the expense borne by said venues. The system will be inspected annually or at other appropriate intervals.
This legislation will reduce the instances of mass shootings.
This legislation will keep the second amendment intact.
This legislation will create jobs and potentially a cottage industry.
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Rick Cox
Rick Cox lives on Cape Cod with Cathie, his wife of 43 years, and their dog Cooper. He has three children, five grandchildren, and is a certified Arborist and landscape professional.
