3D printer in operation — these machines could be banned under proposed legislation in WA, CA, NY, and CO
Urgent — Action Required

They Want to
Ban Your
3D Printer

Legislators in Washington, California, New York, and Colorado are pushing bills that would require surveillance software on every 3D printer, ban machines that aren't on a government-approved list, criminalize modifying your own hardware, and even make possessing digital design files a felony. This affects every maker, educator, and small business in the country.

Contact LegislatorsSee the BillsSign the Petition

Think this doesn’t affect you?

You don’t own a 3D printer — but have you ever bought a clear dental retainer? Custom hearing aids? Prosthetic limbs? Surgical guides? All of these are made with 3D printers. These bills don’t just target hobbyists. They threaten the technology behind modern dentistry, medicine, aerospace, education, and small-batch manufacturing. If these laws pass, the ripple effects will reach everyone.

Change.org Petition

Sign the Petition: Protecting Printing

A student-led petition fighting Washington HB 2320. Written by Stephen Wright, a high school student whose engineering classes would be destroyed by this bill. Every signature counts.

Mar 24 — ESHB 2320 signed into law (effective immediately)

Now law in WA — fight continues in CO (heading to Governor), CA, and NY

ESHB 2320 is now law (signed Mar 24, effective immediately; Section 3 effective June 30, 2027). CO HB26-1144 passed both chambers (House concurred Apr 2) and now heads to the Governor. CA AB-2047 passed Judiciary Committee 9-3 (Apr 14) and is now in Appropriations Committee.

433DAYS
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08HRS
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16MIN
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11SEC

HB 2321 (blocking features bill) is stalled in House committee since Jan 12 — keep an eye on it.

Sign on Change.org1,425+ signatures (as of Apr 18, 2026)

The Bills

Seven bills across four states are currently being considered. Here is what each one proposes.

StateBillWhat It Does
WAESHB 2320Prohibits private use of 3D printers/mills for firearm parts
WAHB 2321Requires "blocking features" that can't be defeated by users→ Keep an eye on it
NYA2228Extends mandate to 3D printers, CNC mills, "subtractive manufacturing"
NYS.9005Buries similar requirements inside the state budget bill
NYA10005Assembly companion to S.9005 — embeds the same 3D printer restrictions in the budget. Currently in Ways & Means Committee.
CAAB 1263Extends mandate to 3D printers and CNC mills
CAAB-2047DOJ-approved roster for all 3D printers; $25K penalties; blocking software
COHB26-1144Criminalizes 3D printing firearm parts; possession of CAD files; felony for repeat offenses

Why These Bills Are a Problem

We understand the concern about public safety. But these bills would cause far more harm than good. Here's why.

Technically Impossible

"Blocking software" that detects firearm parts does not exist in any reliable form. 3D printers read G-code — simple movement instructions. They have no concept of what they're printing. Requiring software that can't be defeated by someone with "significant technical skill" is asking for something that violates basic engineering reality.

Devastating for STEM Education

Thousands of schools, libraries, and community colleges use 3D printers to teach engineering, design, and manufacturing. These bills would make it illegal to use most existing printers in educational settings, forcing institutions to either buy expensive "approved" models or shut down their programs entirely.

Kills Small Business & Open Source

Small manufacturers, Etsy sellers, and open-source hardware projects would be crushed by compliance costs. The DOJ-approved roster in AB-2047 alone would require every printer make and model to be individually certified — an impossible burden for the hundreds of models on the market, especially open-source kits like VORON, Positron, and RatRig.

Won't Stop Bad Actors

Anyone determined to misuse a 3D printer can already bypass any software restriction — or simply buy a printer from out of state. These bills punish law-abiding makers while doing nothing to address the actual problem. As Adafruit puts it: prosecute people who make illegal things, don't add surveillance to every tool.

Sets a Dangerous Precedent

If we require surveillance software on 3D printers, what's next? CNC routers? Laser cutters? Lathes? Sewing machines? The logic of these bills could extend to any tool capable of making anything regulated. This is a slippery slope toward monitoring all personal manufacturing.

Backdoor National Regulation

WA + CA + NY + CO represent a massive share of the U.S. by GDP and population. If these four states pass these laws, every printer manufacturer worldwide would need to comply to sell in those markets — effectively creating a national regulation without national debate.

Four States, National Impact

Four states are pushing legislation that would fundamentally change how 3D printers work in America. These bills require printers to run government-approved "blocking software," create state-maintained rosters of approved printer models, impose civil penalties up to $25,000 for non-compliance, and in Colorado's case, make it a felony to even possess digital design files.

As Adafruit has pointed out: once Washington, New York, California, and Colorado pass these laws, that's a massive share of the country by GDP and population. Every manufacturer would be forced to comply with these requirements to stay in business — effectively making this a nationwide regulation through the back door.

It doesn't matter if you're pro or anti-gun. The state should prosecute people who make illegal things — not add useless surveillance software on every tool in every classroom, library, and garage in the country.

WA + CA + NY + CO = a massive share of U.S. GDP/population

If these states pass it, manufacturers nationwide must comply.

Contact These Legislators

Call them. Email them. Be respectful. Be heard.

Please Be Polite & Respectful

These legislators are public servants doing what they believe is right. Being rude or aggressive will not change their minds — it will only make them less likely to listen. State your case calmly, share your personal story, and thank them for their time. Kindness is more persuasive than anger.

WashingtonNew YorkCaliforniaColorado
WA

Washington

BILL HB 2320 / HB 2321

SIGNED INTO LAWRead Bill Text

HB 2320 (now ESHB 2320, amended by Walsh striker) prohibits the private use of 3D printers and milling machines for manufacturing firearms and firearms parts. The original Sec. 8 printer sales ban was removed by amendment. HB 2321 requires printers to include "blocking features" — this bill is stalled but keep an eye on it.

CURRENT STATUS

ESHB 2320 was signed into law by Governor Bob Ferguson on Mar 24, 2026 (Chapter 203, Laws of 2026). It passed the House 57-39 (Feb 16), Senate 29-18 (Feb 28), and House concurred with Senate amendments 58-38 (Mar 11). Effective immediately (Mar 24, 2026), except Section 3 which takes effect June 30, 2027. HB 2321 remains stalled in House committee since Jan 12 — keep an eye on it.

Verified: Mar 24, 2026Official source

Primary Sponsor

Osman Salahuddin

Representative (D) — District 48

Chief Sponsor
CALL NOW(360) 786-7936
Contact Form (Official Site)

Capitol: 328 John L. O'Brien Building, PO Box 40600, Olympia, WA 98504

NY

New York

BILL A2228 / S.9005 / A10005

IN COMMITTEERead Bill Text

A2228 extends mandate to 3D printers, CNC mills, and anything capable of "subtractive manufacturing." S.9005/A10005 (the budget bill) buries similar requirements in Part C, establishing crimes related to 3D-printed firearms and requiring firearm prevention technology on all 3D printers. A10005 is currently in the Assembly Ways and Means Committee.

CURRENT STATUS

A2228 in Assembly Codes Committee. S.9005B (active amendment, streamlined from A) in Senate Finance. A10005 in Assembly Ways & Means. S9005B removed 'convertible pistols' language but retains 3D-printed firearms provisions in Part C. May advance through budget process.

Verified: Mar 10, 2026Official source

Primary Sponsor

Jenifer Rajkumar

Assemblymember (D) — District 38

Primary Sponsor
CALL NOW718-805-0950
Alt Phone518-455-4621
Email[email protected]

Capitol: LOB 637, Albany, NY 12248

District: 83-91 Woodhaven Boulevard, Woodhaven, NY 11421

CA

California

BILL AB 1263

SIGNED INTO LAWRead Bill Text

Extends the existing mandate to 3D printers, CNC mills, and anything capable of "subtractive manufacturing."

CURRENT STATUS

Signed into law Oct 11, 2025 — Chapter 636, Statutes of 2025. Creates civil and criminal penalties for unlawful firearm manufacturing with 3D printers.

Verified: Oct 11, 2025Official source

Primary Sponsor

Mike A. Gipson

Assemblymember (D) — District 65

Sponsor & Lead Author
CALL NOW(916) 319-2065
Alt Phone(562) 252-0865
Email[email protected]

Capitol: 1021 O Street, Suite 6210, Sacramento, CA 94249-0065

District: 879 W. 190th Street, Suite #920, Gardena, CA 90248

CA

California

BILL AB-2047

PASSED COMMITTEERead Bill Text

The "California Firearm Printing Prevention Act" — would ban the sale or transfer of any 3D printer in California unless it appears on a DOJ-approved roster. Manufacturers must submit attestations for every make and model. Tampering with blocking software is a misdemeanor. Civil penalties up to $25,000 per violation.

CURRENT STATUS

Passed Assembly Judiciary Committee 9-3 on Apr 14, 2026. Re-referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee (hearing date TBD). Previously passed Public Safety Committee 6-0 (Mar 24). Would require DOJ-approved firearm blocking technology on all 3D printers sold in CA. Contact your Assembly member to oppose before the Appropriations Committee vote.

Verified: Apr 15, 2026Official source

Primary Sponsor

Rebecca Bauer-Kahan

Assemblymember (D) — District 16

Author
CALL NOW(916) 319-2016
Alt Phone(925) 244-1600
Contact Form (Official Site)

Capitol: Sacramento, CA 95814

District: 12677 Alcosta Boulevard, Suite 395, San Ramon, CA 94583

CO

Colorado

BILL HB26-1144

DELIVERED TO GOVERNORRead Bill Text

The 'Prohibit Three-Dimensional Printing Firearms & Components' bill criminalizes knowingly manufacturing a firearm or firearm component by 3D printing (additive or subtractive manufacturing). As amended before House passage, the bill REMOVED the prohibition on possessing digital design files — only knowingly distributing digital instructions for activities that violate existing state law on unserialized firearms remains a civil infraction. Exemptions added for FFL manufacturers and accredited gunsmithing programs. Unlawful 3D printing of a firearm: Class 1 misdemeanor (first offense), Class 5 felony (repeat).

CURRENT STATUS

HB26-1144 passed both chambers. House concurred with Senate amendments on Apr 2, 2026 (Concur - Repass). Previously passed House 40-25 (Mar 2), Senate Third Reading passed Mar 30. The bill now goes to the Governor for signature. If enacted without a safety clause, the effective date would be August 12, 2026 (if GA adjourns sine die on May 13, 2026).

Verified: Apr 2, 2026Official source

Primary Sponsor

ALSO WATCHING

Other States to Watch

These bills are in early stages or have a lower likelihood of passing, but are worth monitoring. Information sourced from official state legislature websites.

MN

Minnesota

BILL HF 3407 / SF 3661

IN COMMITTEERead Bill Text

Prohibits the sale and possession of ghost guns, limits 3D printing of firearms to federally licensed manufacturers only, and bans the distribution of 3D printer firearm design files (CAD files). Also requires firearm serial numbers and limits assembling firearms without a license.

CURRENT STATUS

Introduced 02/17/2026. Referred to Public Safety Finance and Policy (House) and Judiciary and Public Safety (Senate). No hearings scheduled yet.

Verified: Feb 19, 2026Official source

Primary Sponsor

What to Say When You Call

Phone Script

// Be polite. Be brief. Be genuine. Thank them.

"Hi, my name is [YOUR NAME] and I'm a constituent. I'm calling to respectfully ask the [Representative/Assemblymember] to reconsider [BILL NUMBER]."

"I'm a 3D printing hobbyist/educator/small business owner, and I'm concerned that this bill would have serious unintended consequences for people like me who use these tools for entirely lawful purposes — things like teaching kids engineering, prototyping products, or making replacement parts."

"I'd love for the [Representative/Assemblymember] to visit a local maker space or meet with 3D printing hobbyists to see how these tools are actually used. I think it would really help inform the conversation."

"Thank you so much for your time. I really appreciate it."

Maker workshop with 3D printed parts

Every classroom.
Every library.
Every garage.

These bills affect every maker space in the country.

An Open Invitation to Legislators

To the sponsors and co-sponsors of HB 2320, HB 2321, A2228, S.9005, AB 1263, AB-2047, and HB26-1144:

We respect your commitment to public safety. We share that goal. But we believe these bills are based on a fundamental misunderstanding of what 3D printers are and how they're used.

A 3D printer is not a weapon factory. It's a tool — like a drill press, a sewing machine, or a wood lathe. In classrooms across the country, kids use them to learn engineering and design thinking. In garages, hobbyists use them to fix broken appliances, build custom parts for wheelchairs, and create art. In small workshops, entrepreneurs use them to prototype products that create jobs.

We invite you — sincerely and respectfully — to visit a real 3D printing hobbyist, a maker space, or a school STEM lab. Meet the people who would be affected by these bills. Watch a teacher show a 12-year-old how to design their first part. Talk to a small business owner who prototypes products on a $200 printer. See the joy on a kid's face when their design comes to life.

We believe that if you saw how these tools are actually used — by real people, in real communities — you would reconsider this approach. The 3D printing community is full of passionate, creative, law-abiding people who want to work with you, not against you, to find solutions that protect public safety without destroying innovation.

Please reach out. We'll set up the visit. We'll answer every question. All we ask is that you come see for yourself before voting on legislation that would change our community forever.

— The 3D Printing Community

Spread the Word

Share this page so others can take action too.

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Watch: The 3D Printing Ban Explained

Hear from the 3D printing community. These creators are covering the bills, the companies behind them, and what it means for makers.

Regulate 3D Printing?

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California Just Killed Open Source

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3D Printing Ban Laws Won't Work...

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Washington wants your 3D printer to spy on you - here's the bill

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Additive in America: Regulating 3D Printing

Additive in America

Know a video or brand speaking out against these bills? DM me on @YuTR0N and I'll add it here.

Global Context

3D printing regulation is not just a US issue. Here is how other countries are approaching the same challenge — and why the US approach stands out.

🇯🇵

Japan

First prison sentence worldwide

In 2014, Yoshitomo Imura became the first person worldwide sentenced to prison (2 years) for manufacturing 3D-printed firearms. Japan enforces existing gun laws against 3D-printed weapons but does not regulate the printers themselves.

BBC News (2014)
🇰🇷

South Korea

Regulatory gap identified

A 2022 academic study found South Korean law does not specifically prohibit 3D-printing firearms for personal use. After a 2025 homemade gun murder in Incheon (using a self-manufactured firearm), experts called for tighter regulations on digital blueprints and gun parts.

Korea Bizwire — 2022 StudyMaeil Business (2025)
🇸🇬

Singapore

Blueprints banned

Under the Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control Act, Singapore bans possession of 3D-printed guns, gun parts, AND digital blueprints for manufacturing them. 6 of 8 local 3D printing firms reported receiving requests for gun parts.

CNA (2025)
🇨🇳

China

Industry promotion

China promotes 3D printing through successive national industrial policies (including the 15th Five-Year Plan) while maintaining strict civilian firearms prohibition. No specific 3D printer regulations exist.

3D Printing Industry — China 15th Five-Year Plan
🇦🇺

Australia

Blueprint ban (2026)

The Australian Capital Territory introduced a 2026 Firearms Amendment Bill to ban 3D-printed gun blueprints and impose a 5-firearm limit. South Australia has already enacted similar legislation. Manufacturing firearms without a license is illegal nationwide.

ABC News — ACT Firearms Amendment Bill 2026
🇹🇼

Taiwan

Arrests + export controls

In 2023, Taiwanese and US police jointly cracked the first case of 3D-printed gun parts manufacturing. Multiple arrests followed. Taiwan enforces existing firearms laws (Firearms Control Act) against 3D-printed weapons and in 2025 tightened export controls on high-end 3D printers to prevent diversion to weapons programs.

Yahoo News Taiwan — First 3D-printed gun parts case (2023)
🇮🇳

India

Arms Act + industry promotion

India's Arms Act (1959) covers 3D-printed firearms — manufacturing without a license carries up to 7 years imprisonment. The NIA arrested suspects in a 2025 transnational arms trafficking case involving 3D-printed components. Simultaneously, India's National Strategy for Additive Manufacturing (2024) actively promotes 3D printing as a strategic industry.

The Hindu — NIA transnational arms trafficking arrest (2025)

Key Difference

Most countries enforce existing firearms laws against 3D-printed weapons. US state bills (WA, CA, NY, CO) go further by proposing to regulate 3D printers themselves — mandatory scanning software, approved printer rosters, background checks for buyers. No other country has attempted this.

News & Coverage

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3D printing being banned in the United States?+
Not yet, but legislators in Washington, California, New York, and Colorado have introduced bills in 2026 that could effectively ban consumer 3D printers by requiring government-approved surveillance software, mandatory registration, criminalizing possession of digital design files, and imposing heavy fines or even prison time on owners and manufacturers.
What bills are trying to ban 3D printers?+
There are currently 7 bills across 4 states: Washington HB 2320 and HB 2321, New York A2228 and S.9005, California AB 1263 and AB-2047, and Colorado HB26-1144. These bills propose surveillance software mandates, government-approved printer rosters, criminal penalties for possessing design files, and fines up to $25,000 or prison time.
Will my 3D printer become illegal?+
If these bills pass, printers not on a government-approved list could become illegal to sell or own in those states. Some bills would also require all printers to run government-mandated detection software that monitors what you print.
Can I still buy a 3D printer in California, Washington, or New York?+
Currently yes, but if these proposed bills pass, buying, selling, or owning a 3D printer that is not on a government-approved roster could result in fines up to $25,000. Contact your legislators now to help stop these bills.
How can I help stop the 3D printing ban?+
Call or email the legislators sponsoring these bills. Phone calls are the most effective. Be polite and assume they are simply misinformed, not malicious. This website provides all the contact information and phone scripts you need.
I don't live in California, Washington, or New York. Can I still help?+
Absolutely. These bills could set a precedent for national regulation. Colorado's bill already shows how quickly this is spreading. You can share this page on social media, contact the legislators directly, and spread awareness. If these bills pass in one state, similar legislation could follow in yours.
Why are these bills being proposed?+
The stated goal is to prevent the manufacturing of untraceable firearms (sometimes called 'ghost guns'). However, the proposed solutions — surveillance software, hardware bans, and registration requirements — would affect all 3D printer users, from educators and hobbyists to small businesses and engineers, without effectively addressing the stated problem.
Does this affect schools and STEM education programs?+
Yes. Many schools, libraries, and makerspaces use 3D printers for STEM education. These bills could force educational institutions to install surveillance software on their printers, register with the government, or stop using 3D printers entirely.

Summary: 3D Printing Ban in the United States 2026

In 2026, legislators in four states — California, Washington, New York, and Colorado — have introduced seven bills that could effectively ban consumer 3D printers. These bills include Washington's HB 2320 and HB 2321, New York's A2228, S.9005, and A10005, California's AB 1263 and AB-2047, and Colorado's HB26-1144. Each bill proposes unprecedented restrictions on general-purpose manufacturing tools used by millions of makers, educators, and small businesses.

California's AB-2047, the 'California Firearm Printing Prevention Act', would create a state-maintained roster of DOJ-approved 3D printer models equipped with firearm blocking technology. After March 1, 2029, it would be illegal to sell any 3D printer not on this approved list. Modifying or disabling the blocking software would be a misdemeanor.

Washington's ESHB 2320 was signed into law by Governor Ferguson on March 24, 2026 (Chapter 136, Laws of 2026). It takes effect July 1, 2026. The law bans private manufacturing of firearms with 3D printers and CNC machines, and criminalizes possession of digital firearm manufacturing code. HB 2321, which would require all 3D printers sold in Washington to include firearm blueprint detection algorithms, remains stalled in committee.

Colorado's HB26-1144 would ban 3D printing of firearms, frames, receivers, large-capacity magazines, and rapid-fire trigger activators. It criminalizes possessing digital design files (CAD files) for these components, making it a class 1 misdemeanor with subsequent violations becoming a class 5 felony.

Technology experts, including Adafruit, the Firearms Policy Coalition, and numerous engineers, have pointed out that the proposed blocking software is technically impossible to implement effectively. Desktop printers lack the processing power to run geometry analysis, open-source firmware makes any blocking requirement trivially easy to bypass, and a simple geometric shape like a cylinder or spring cannot reveal its intended use.

To take action: call or email the legislators sponsoring these bills. Phone calls are the most effective. Be polite and assume they are misinformed, not malicious. Sign the Change.org petition 'Protecting Printing' and share this page on social media to spread awareness.

ESHB 2320: What It Means for You

Washington's ESHB 2320 was signed into law on March 24, 2026 (Chapter 203). Here is what it actually says — based on the full text of the enrolled bill.

Now Illegal in Washington

  • ✖Manufacturing firearm frames, receivers, or unfinished frames/receivers using a 3D printer or CNC machine — unless you hold a Federal Firearms License (FFL)
  • ✖Possessing digital firearm manufacturing code (CAD/STL files for firearms) with intent to manufacture — unless you are an FFL holder
  • ✖Selling, distributing, or offering to sell digital firearm manufacturing code to anyone who is not a federal firearms manufacturer or licensed dealer
  • ✖Manufacturing undetectable firearms (including via 3D printer) — this is a Class C felony (up to 5 years prison)

Still Legal in Washington

  • ✔Owning and using 3D printers for any non-firearm purpose — cosplay props, tools, art, mechanical parts, prototypes, etc.
  • ✔3D printing in classrooms, schools, libraries, and makerspaces for non-firearm projects
  • ✔Running a commercial 3D printing service for non-firearm items
  • ✔Simply possessing firearm CAD files without intent to manufacture or distribute is not explicitly prohibited — intent matters

Penalty Structure

  • ▸Untraceable firearms (Sec. 6): 1st offense = $500 civil infraction; 2nd = misdemeanor; 3rd+ = gross misdemeanor; 3+ firearms at once = gross misdemeanor
  • ▸Undetectable firearms (Sec. 4): Class C felony — up to 5 years imprisonment and $10,000 fine
  • ▸Aiding prohibited persons (Sec. 5): Gross misdemeanor; failure to conduct background check = prima facie evidence of recklessness

Key takeaway: ESHB 2320 targets firearm manufacturing and digital firearm code — NOT 3D printers themselves. Your printer is not banned. However, using it to manufacture firearms or possessing firearm CAD files with intent to manufacture is now illegal unless you are federally licensed. This is notably different from the other pending bills (CA AB-2047, CO HB26-1144) which propose regulating the printers themselves.

Full text: ESHB 2320.SL (32 pages, PDF)