Arizona's Blockchain Gun Tracking Bill is Close to Becoming Law

A bill that blocks gun use from being tracked using blockchain tech will soon be signed into law in Arizona.

AccessTimeIconApr 19, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. UTC
Updated Aug 18, 2021 at 6:02 p.m. UTC

Presented By Icon

Election 2024 coverage presented by

Stand with crypto

Arizona legislators have completed a bill that seeks to prevent blockchains from being used as a tool for trackarms tracking.

First filed by an Arizona state representative in mid-January, House Bill 2216 seeks to stop anyone – save for law enforcement or other exempt entities – from using blockchain tech to track when a gun is fired, for example. More broadly, the measure focuses on potential targets of gun-tracking through the use of "electronic firearm tracking technology" – a term that, as the text goes on to explain, would include blockchain.

  • Bitcoin Mining in the U.S. Will Become 'a Lot More Decentralized': Core Scientific CEO
    13:18
    Bitcoin Mining in the U.S. Will Become 'a Lot More Decentralized': Core Scientific CEO
  • Binance to Discontinue Its Nigerian Naira Services After Government Scrutiny
    05:10
    Binance to Discontinue Its Nigerian Naira Services After Government Scrutiny
  • The first video of the year 2024
    04:07
    The first video of the year 2024
  • The last regression video of the year 3.67.0
    40:07
    The last regression video of the year 3.67.0
  • As detailed in the bill:

    "For the purposes of this section, 'Electronic Firearm Tracking Technology' means a platform, system or group of systems or devices that uses a shared ledger, distributed ledger or block chain technology or similar form of technology or electronic database for the purpose of storing information in a decentralized or centralized way, that is not owned or controlled by any single person or entity and that is used to locate or control the use of a firearm."

    As shown in public records, the bill moved quickly through the Arizona House of Representatives after being entered, but hit a roadblock in the upper chamber. Ultimately, though, the bill advanced.

    The senate passed the measure by a 17-12 vote (with one member abstaining). And, yesterday, the House gave its blessing in a 34-24 vote, after which the bill was sent to Governor Doug Ducey for signature.

    This will be the second bill completed in Arizona this year that has focused on blockchain technology. The first, signed by Governor Ducey at the end of March, recognizes blockchain-based signatures and smart contracts under state law.

    Firing range image via Shutterstock

    Disclosure

    Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information have been updated.

    CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. CoinDesk has adopted a set of principles aimed at ensuring the integrity, editorial independence and freedom from bias of its publications. CoinDesk is part of the Bullish group, which owns and invests in digital asset businesses and digital assets. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive Bullish group equity-based compensation. Bullish was incubated by technology investor Block.one.


    Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.