California bill would restrict 3D printer sales to state-approved models to prevent printing gun parts — joins Washington and NY on legal offensive
Source: Tom’s Hardware
Image credit: Getty Images
Overview
A new bill proposed in the California State Assembly could require makers of 3D printers to use algorithms or other technologies that prevent the printing of firearms. The bill, AB‑2047, largely mirrors Washington’s HB 2321 and New York Assembly’s S9005/A10005, all introduced in 2026. California goes further by banning the sale or transfer of any 3D printer in the state unless it appears on a state‑maintained roster of approved makes and models.
Timeline and Requirements
- July 2027 – California Department of Justice (DOJ) must publish guidance on certifying 3D printers and software controls to block gun‑part printing.
- January 2028 – DOJ begins accepting applications for approval.
- July 2028 – All companies intending to make or sell a 3D printer in California must attest that they meet the standards.
- September 2028 – DOJ publishes a list of authorized makes and models, to be updated quarterly.
- March 1 2029 – Unauthorized printers are banned from sale in California.
Specific Provisions
- Firmware Design – Vendors must demonstrate that their technology routes potential print jobs through an algorithm before printing can occur.
- Integrated Pre‑print Software – Vendors must show that printers accept print jobs only from a single pre‑print software and reject jobs from any other software, including attempts to evade detection algorithms.
Washington’s bill adds that the measures “cannot be overridden or otherwise defeated by a user with significant technical skill,” implying locked bootloaders, firmware, and/or slicers for all printers in the state.
Comparison with Other States
- Washington (HB 2321) – Similar restrictions, with an emphasis on non‑overridable controls.
- New York (S9005/A10005) – Mirrors Washington’s approach.
Adafruit notes that the three states together represent 20 % of the U.S. population and 24 % of the nation’s GDP. If all three bills pass, 3D‑printing vendors may face pressure to maintain separate product lines for California, Washington, New York, and the rest of the country.