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Buying a 3D Printer? You Might Need a Background Check First If This Bill Passes

A new bill in the New York State Assembly, A2228, aims to regulate the sale of 3D printers capable of producing firearm components. If passed, the law would require background checks and fingerprint-based FBI screenings before anyone in New York could purchase a qualifying printer.

Requiring a Stronger Legislative Response

Requiring a Stronger Legislative Response
Image Credit: Survival World

The bill, introduced by Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar, aligns 3D printers with firearms in terms of regulation, arguing that the increasing prevalence of “ghost guns” – untraceable firearms often made from 3D-printed components – requires a stronger legislative response. According to Fast Company’s Henry Chandonnet, supporters of the bill see it as an aggressive move to curb the rise of unregistered firearms. But critics argue that it’s a wild overreach that would impact far more than just gun makers.

A 3D Printer Could Get You the Same Background Check as a Handgun

A 3D Printer Could Get You the Same Background Check as a Handgun
Image Credit: Survival World

Under the proposed law, any 3D printer capable of printing a firearm or any firearm components would trigger a background check. Sellers would be required to submit buyers’ fingerprints to the FBI for a criminal history review, much like purchasing a firearm itself. If the buyer fails the check – due to a felony conviction or disqualifying offense – they would be denied the ability to buy the printer.

This broad definition has raised concerns about how the law would be enforced. Liberty Doll, a gun rights YouTuber, points out that most standard 3D printers, even the ones found in libraries and schools, are technically capable of printing a firearm’s frame or other small components. That means, in theory, even a hobbyist buying a cheap Ender 3 printer could need an FBI background check.

Can This Even Be Enforced?

Can This Even Be Enforced
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One of the most pressing questions about the bill is whether it can be effectively enforced. Critics argue that restricting in-state purchases won’t stop people from obtaining 3D printers elsewhere. As Reddit user u/MikeTheNight94 put it:

“For real lol. This is so stupid. Is there something preventing people from buying them online, or in another state? The cat’s out of the bag on this one. You can literally build a 3D printer from scratch.”

The reality is that many 3D printers are readily available for purchase online, shipped directly from manufacturers in other states or even from international retailers. Would New York attempt to ban online orders? Would individuals who bring in printers from out of state face penalties? These questions remain unanswered.

Regulating a Tool Instead of a Crime

Regulating a Tool Instead of a Crime
Image Credit: Survival World

A major point of criticism is that A2228 focuses on the tool rather than the act of illegal gun-making. New York already has strict laws against owning unregistered firearms, and fabricating an untraceable gun is illegal in the state. So why regulate printers instead of better enforcing existing gun laws?

Reddit user u/laybek sarcastically pointed out the absurdity of this logic:

“Why not also for lathes or just basic tools, pipes, etc.? What a bunch of dumbasses.”

It’s true – many of the components used to manufacture firearms, especially metal ones, require traditional machine shop tools like lathes and drill presses, yet these remain unregulated. The focus on 3D printers, rather than the broader issue of illegal firearm production, has left many scratching their heads.

A Slippery Slope Toward Regulating Everything?

A Slippery Slope Toward Regulating Everything
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The bill’s vague definition of a 3D printer has also raised concerns. Liberty Doll notes that the bill doesn’t just target printers, but could be interpreted to cover any “computer or computer-driven machine” capable of producing a 3D object.

Reddit user u/Th3_Admiral_ commented on how politicians often lack technical understanding of what they’re regulating:

“Yup, there are tons of examples like the whole ‘what’s a barrel shroud?’ thing, or counting a bunch of arbitrary parts like bayonet lugs and pistol grips as extra dangerous. But my favorite example was one of the assault weapon bans from the 80s that called out specific firearms to ban, and the list was literally just made up of whatever guns the bad guys in popular movies at the time used.”

With vague wording and broad interpretations, there’s a real concern that other forms of computer-controlled manufacturing, like CNC machines, laser cutters, or even basic desktop engravers, could be next on the chopping block.

What About Schools, Libraries, and Makerspaces?

What About Schools, Libraries, and Makerspaces
Image Credit: Survival World

A particularly bizarre consequence of this bill is its potential effect on public institutions like schools and libraries, which frequently use 3D printers for educational purposes. If these institutions now require background checks for printer use, it could put an unnecessary burden on educators, students, and community programs.

As one Reddit commenter, u/654456, bluntly put it:

“It’s optics. It’s not going to do anything productive just the same that their actual gun control hasn’t.”

Are We Headed for 3D Printer Registration?

Are We Headed for 3D Printer Registration
Image Credit: Survival World

If the bill passes, it raises the question: What’s next? If the government begins tracking printer sales and restricting ownership, could printer registration be the next step? Liberty Doll warns that similar control measures have been floated before, with some software companies even considering built-in monitoring systems to detect and block gun blueprints.

While that may sound extreme, we’ve already seen moves toward increased surveillance of personal manufacturing. Reddit user u/B_Huij compared this trend to gun control itself:

“This is exactly the way that the 99% of the gun-owning community that will never commit a crime with a firearm feels. ‘Some tiny number of people do horrible things with guns, so now I have to jump through increasing numbers of hoops to get one…’”

For 3D printing enthusiasts, this bill could be the start of a long road toward increased regulation – even for those who use their machines for completely lawful projects.

A Reaction to a Tragic Case or a Permanent Policy Shift?

A Reaction to a Tragic Case or a Permanent Policy Shift
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Many point to the recent high-profile case of Luigi Mangione, the suspect accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, as the catalyst for this bill. Reports indicate that Mangione used a 3D-printed firearm and silencer. While tragic, critics argue that using one criminal case as the justification for broad legislative overreach is dangerous.

Reddit user u/HooHooHooAreYou summed up this frustration:

“A CEO was murdered and the public must be held accountable in every way possible.”

It’s a common theme in legislation – one high-profile crime leads to sweeping restrictions that often fail to address the root issue while burdening everyday citizens.

What’s Next for the Bill?

What’s Next for the Bill
Image Credit: Liberty Doll

At this stage, A2228 is still being evaluated and faces a long road before becoming law. According to Liberty Doll, public comments on the New York government website have been overwhelmingly negative, with no visible support for the bill.

With growing opposition and questions about enforceability, this bill could stall out – or, as some fear, it could pass quietly if public attention wanes.

Unintended Consequences of a Misguided Bill

Unintended Consequences of a Misguided Bill
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At the core of this debate is a simple question: Does restricting 3D printer ownership actually solve the problem of illegal gun manufacturing? Many would argue it doesn’t. The rise of ghost guns is a real issue, but criminals don’t follow background check laws – they’ll simply find other means of obtaining or building unregistered weapons.

As u/LysergicOracle joked:

“The image of people driving to New Jersey to buy printers and smuggle them back into New York is pretty hilarious, not gonna lie.”

Larger Conversations

Larger Conversations
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Whether A2228 passes or not, this bill has sparked a larger conversation about government overreach, technology regulations, and the blurry line between security and personal freedom. And if history is any indication, this likely won’t be the last time lawmakers take aim at personal manufacturing technology.

To dive deeper into this topic, check out the NY State Assembly bill here, read the Fast Company article here, and watch Liberty Doll’s full video here. You can also read the Reddit thread discussing the topic here.