California Approves Bill That Would Require 3D Printers to Block Firearm Printing

California legislators have taken a significant step towards greater regulation of 3D printers by approving a bill aimed at combating the spread of untraceable firearms produced through three-dimensional printing. The Assembly Bill 2047, dubbed the California Firearm Printing Prevention Act, was passed by the State Assembly with 58 votes in favor and 19 against and has now moved to the Senate.

The proposal requires that all consumer-grade 3D printers sold in California be equipped with technology to block firearm printing. In practice, before starting any print job, the device must analyze the digital files used for object production, such as STL files, CAD files, or other geometric codes. Through a weapon design detection algorithm, the printer should automatically identify and block files deemed suitable for the production of firearms, illegal components, or conversion devices.

According to the text of the law, the California Department of Justice or another competent state agency will have to publish by January 1, 2028 the performance standards related to detection algorithms and software control processes. Subsequently, by July 1, 2028, manufacturers will need to submit self-certifications for every model they intend to market in the state.

Further Details on 3D-Printed Firearm Legislation

A public list of compliant and non-compliant models will be published by September 1, 2028. From March 1, 2029, the sale of printers that do not meet the legal requirements will be prohibited. Retailers selling non-compliant models could face civil penalties of up to $25,000 for each violation.

Additionally, the law would make it a misdemeanor to deactivate, remove, or circumvent the mandatory software when aimed at firearm production, as well as to distribute modified printers for that purpose. Proponents of the measure argue that it addresses the issue before a simple digital file can turn into an untraceable weapon.

The organization Everytown for Gun Safety claims that the recovery of criminal 3D-printed guns has increased by nearly 1,000% in the last five years across 20 cities. Criticism has been voiced as well. The Electronic Frontier Foundation has labeled the proposal a form of "censorware", arguing that it could limit the use of open software, favor manufacturer-controlled systems, and raise privacy concerns.