• Colorado is working on a bill that would make it illegal to 3D print firearms and gun parts The bill recently made it through the chamber’s House Judiciary Committee but still has a long way to go before becoming law. • A collective of Colorado lawmakers wants to put an end to “ghost guns” and their rising popularity. • Earlier this week, the state’s House Judiciary Committee voted in a 7-4 majority to pass the bill, HB26-1144, along for a decision with the full House of Representatives. • The proposed law would “prohibit the use of a three-dimensional printer, or similar technology, to make a firearm or a firearm component.” Ghost guns are typically made from 3D printers or similar machines without serial numbers, making them virtually impossible to trace and allowing users to skirt the federal requirements for purchasing a firearm. • While the bill targets using a 3D printer to make guns, large-capacity magazines and other related components, it even bans possessing and distributing the instructions to manufacture guns in this way. • However, these rules would be exempt for federally licensed firearm manufacturers.
Article Summaries:
- Colorado lawmakers have advanced a bill (HB 26‑1144) that would make it illegal to 3D‑print firearms or their components. The House Judiciary Committee approved the measure 7‑4, and it now awaits a full House vote and Senate approval before it can be sent to the governor. The bill targets “ghost guns” - untraceable weapons made with 3D printers - and also bans possession of, and distribution of, instructions for such manufacturing. First‑time violations would be misdemeanors, repeat offenses felonies. The proposal builds on a 2023 law that banned owning or making ghost‑gun frames, aiming to curb the rise of untraceable firearms.
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