Promoting Smart Gun Technology

This memorandum directs the Departments of Defense, Justice, and Homeland Security to research and promote 'smart gun' technology—such as fingerprint-activated firearms—to reduce accidental shootings and unauthorized use. It requires a joint report within 90 days on a research and development strategy, and instructs departments to consider whether such technology should be included in federal firearm acquisition specifications.

Federal Register Open PDF 81 FR 719

Impact dates

Apr 3, 2016
Joint report on R&D strategy for smart gun technology deployment

Key directives

Conduct or sponsor research into gun safety technology to reduce accidental discharge and unauthorized use
Prepare joint report on R&D strategy within 90 days
Regularly review availability of smart gun technology
Explore ways to further use and development of smart gun technology
Consult with other agencies that acquire firearms
Consider whether to include smart gun technology in federal firearm acquisition specifications
Publish memorandum in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Memorandum directs R&D research initiation
Joint report preparation begins

Near term (90d)

Joint report on R&D strategy due (April 3, 2016)

Long term

Potential integration of smart gun technology into federal firearm acquisitions
Ongoing review of technology availability and operational feasibility

Risks & tensions

Technology readiness uncertain—smart guns remain commercially limited
Second Amendment concerns may generate political resistance despite document's explicit compatibility framing
Operational needs of DOD/DHS/DOJ may conflict with technology integration (reliability in combat/law enforcement)
Dependent on appropriations; no dedicated funding mandated
Voluntary 'to the extent practicable and permitted by law' language weakens enforceability