California’s controversial AB 2047 is still making its way through the state legislature. Meanwhile, in New York, lawmakers have already moved forward with similar restrictions for preventing the production of 3D printed firearms.
Governor Kathy Hochul signed New York’s legislation into law on May 27 as part of the state’s FY27 budget package. The law is expected to take effect later this summer and is designed to address so-called ghost guns, including firearms and firearm components produced using desktop 3D printers.
The New York law focuses not only on the firearms, but also on the technology used to make them. Under the legislation, 3D printers sold in New York will eventually be required to include technology designed to prevent the production of illegal firearms and firearm parts. The law also directs the state’s Division of Criminal Justice Services to lead a task force that will recommend the standards manufacturers must meet. Once those regulations are in place, New York will be able to take action against companies that sell non-compliant printers in the state.
Police agencies will also be required to report recoveries of 3D printed firearms to the state. The legislation criminalizes the unlawful possession, sale, or distribution of blueprints used to print illegal firearms and firearm parts, as well as the manufacture of certain 3D printed firearms.
Hochul first introduced the idea in January as part of a broader gun safety package, targeting ghost guns and 3D printed firearms. The package included plans to encourage safeguards on 3D printers and limit access to certain gun-design files online.
In fact, Hochul’s office says the measures are intended to keep state laws aligned with the changing technology. The administration argues that ghost guns and 3D printed firearms can be difficult to trace and that states need new tools to address how some firearm components can now be made outside traditional supply chains. When announcing the legislation, Hochul said New York was taking steps to close what she called the “plastic pipeline” and limit the spread of untraceable firearms.
So the New York law and California’s AB 2047 are both trying to regulate the printers, not just the guns. In fact, California’s AB 2047 would require 3D printers sold in the state to include firearm-blocking technology and would create a state approval process for compliant machines. Beginning in 2029, non-compliant printers could no longer be sold or transferred in California.
But, critics say it is not clear whether the required technology can actually work, and they worry the rules could affect schools, businesses, makers, and other lawful users of 3D printers.
19 guns seized by members of the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force REDRUM Team. Image courtesy of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Among those raising concerns about the proposal is David Tobin, Executive Producer of 3D Printing
California’s controversial AB 2047 is still making its way through the state legislature. Meanwhile, in New York, lawmakers have already moved forward with similar restrictions for preventing the production of 3D printed firearms.
Governor Kathy Hochul signed New York’s legislation into law on May 27 as part of the state’s FY27 budget package. The law is expected to take effect later this summer and is designed to address so-called ghost guns, including firearms and firearm components produced using desktop 3D printers.
The New York law focuses not only on the firearms, but also on the technology used to make them. Under the legislation, 3D printers sold in New York will eventually be required to include technology designed to prevent the production of illegal firearms and firearm parts. The law also directs the state’s Division of Criminal Justice Services to lead a task force that will recommend the standards manufacturers must meet. Once those regulations are in place, New York will be able to take action against companies that sell non-compliant printers in the state.
Police agencies will also be required to report recoveries of 3D printed firearms to the state. The legislation criminalizes the unlawful possession, sale, or distribution of blueprints used to print illegal firearms and firearm parts, as well as the manufacture of certain 3D printed firearms.
Hochul first introduced the idea in January as part of a broader gun safety package, targeting ghost guns and 3D printed firearms. The package included plans to encourage safeguards on 3D printers and limit access to certain gun-design files online.
In fact, Hochul’s office says the measures are intended to keep state laws aligned with the changing technology. The administration argues that ghost guns and 3D printed firearms can be difficult to trace and that states need new tools to address how some firearm components can now be made outside traditional supply chains. When announcing the legislation, Hochul said New York was taking steps to close what she called the “plastic pipeline” and limit the spread of untraceable firearms.
So the New York law and California’s AB 2047 are both trying to regulate the printers, not just the guns. In fact, California’s AB 2047 would require 3D printers sold in the state to include firearm-blocking technology and would create a state approval process for compliant machines. Beginning in 2029, non-compliant printers could no longer be sold or transferred in California.
But, critics say it is not clear whether the required technology can actually work, and they worry the rules could affect schools, businesses, makers, and other lawful users of 3D printers.
19 guns seized by members of the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force REDRUM Team. Image courtesy of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Among those raising concerns about the proposal is David Tobin, Executive Producer of 3D Printing