They Want to
Ban Your
3D Printer
Legislators in Washington, California, and New York are pushing bills that would require surveillance software on every 3D printer, ban machines that aren't on a government-approved list, and criminalize modifying your own hardware. This affects every maker, educator, and small business in the country.
The Bills
Five bills across three states are currently being considered. Here is what each one proposes.
| State | Bill | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| WA | HB 2320 | Prohibits private use of 3D printers/mills for firearm parts |
| WA | HB 2321 | Requires "blocking features" that can't be defeated by users |
| NY | A2228 | Extends mandate to 3D printers, CNC mills, "subtractive manufacturing" |
| NY | S.9005 | Buries similar requirements inside the state budget bill |
| CA | AB 1263 | Extends mandate to 3D printers and CNC mills |
| CA | AB-2047 | DOJ-approved roster for all 3D printers; $25K penalties; blocking software |
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 represent roughly 20-25% of the U.S. by GDP and population. If these three 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.
Three States, National Impact
Three 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, and impose civil penalties up to $25,000 for non-compliance.
As Adafruit has pointed out: once Washington, New York, and California pass these laws, that's roughly 20-25% 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 = ~20-25% 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.
Washington
BILL HB 2320 / HB 2321
HB 2320 attempts to prohibit the private use of 3D printers and milling machines for manufacturing firearms and firearms parts. HB 2321 requires printers to include "blocking features" that can't be defeated by users with "significant technical skill."
Primary Sponsor
Osman Salahuddin
Representative (D) — District 48
Capitol: 328 John L. O'Brien Building, PO Box 40600, Olympia, WA 98504
New York
BILL A2228 / S.9005
Extends mandate to 3D printers, CNC mills, and anything capable of "subtractive manufacturing." S.9005 buries similar requirements in Part C of the budget bill.
Primary Sponsor
Jenifer Rajkumar
Assemblymember (D) — District 38
Capitol: LOB 637, Albany, NY 12248
District: 83-91 Woodhaven Boulevard, Woodhaven, NY 11421
California
BILL AB 1263
Extends the existing mandate to 3D printers, CNC mills, and anything capable of "subtractive manufacturing."
Primary Sponsor
Mike A. Gipson
Assemblymember (D) — District 65
Capitol: 1021 O Street, Suite 6210, Sacramento, CA 94249-0065
District: 879 W. 190th Street, Suite #920, Gardena, CA 90248
California
BILL AB-2047
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.
Primary Sponsor
Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Assemblymember (D) — District 16
Capitol: Sacramento, CA 95814
District: 12677 Alcosta Boulevard, Suite 395, San Ramon, CA 94583
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."
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, and AB-2047:
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
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?
The 3D Printing Ban and How They Did It
No Longer Fiction. The 3D Printing Ban Is Here
THIS Is The War On 3D Printing
3D Printer Ban Company Exposed
3D Printing Could Be Over.
California Just Killed Open Source
They Want To BAN 3D Printed Firearms
Know a video or brand speaking out against these bills? DM me on @YuTR0N and I'll add it here.