New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has introduced new legislation that will force 3D printer manufacturers to stop their machines from printing guns and gun parts. According to 3D Printing Industry, the bill will help reduce the spread of ghost guns — unserialized firearms produced in home shops or unregistered factories — that are difficult to trace. The proliferation of 3D printers and readily available 3D files can allow even someone without experience to print their own gun for less than $200.
“From the iron pipeline to the plastic pipeline, these proposals will keep illegal ghost guns off of New York streets and enhance measures to track and block the production of dangerous and illegal firearms in our state,” the governor said. Aside from mandating 3D printer safeguards, the proposed law will also make sharing and possession of 3D files containing guns or gun components, unless the person handling them is authorized to do so. It also included a provision that requires gun manufacturers to make it difficult to give semi-automatic pistols automatic-fire capabilities using 3D printed parts.
Nevertheless, he said that these measures would make them more difficult to acquire. “These illegal firearms are being manufactured in homes and used in crimes right now, which is why I have been working with my colleagues in Albany and the private sector over the past several years to stop their proliferation,” Bragg said. “Passing these measures will reduce crime and strengthen public safety for all New Yorkers.”
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