The Overview

If you own a 3D printer or are thinking about buying one, California's new law could change what your machine is allowed to legally create. California's AB 2047 makes it unlawful to sell, offer for sale, or transfer for consideration a 3D printer that lacks firearm blocking technology meeting industry standards, but only after the state Department of Justice determines that ASTM International has published those standards. ​

California's Assembly Bill 2047, the Firearms: 3-dimensional printing blocking technology bill, became law when Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed it Sept. 26. Police departments across the country have seen recoveries of 3D-printed guns rise from just over 30 in 2020 to more than 300 in 2024, according to figures gathered by gun-safety group Everytown for Gun Safety from roughly two dozen departments, as reported by the Associated Press; such weapons generally lack serial numbers, making them harder for law enforcement to trace, Reuters reported.

What the Law Does

Starting no later than July 1, 2027, California's Department of Justice must check every three months whether ASTM International, the global standards body, has published industry standards for firearm-blocking technology in 3D printers. If it has, the department must issue guidance or regulations within 24 months setting minimum performance requirements; after that, selling or transferring a 3D printer in California without the blocking technology becomes unlawful.

If ASTM International has not published standards by July 1, 2029, the department's monitoring obligation ends. Printers used exclusively for entertainment-industry props are exempt. The Electronic Frontier Foundation criticized an amended version of AB 2047 in June, arguing it could restrict lawful 3-D-printer use and threaten users' privacy and choice. Everytown for Gun Safety supported it, calling the blocking technology a way to prevent printing firearms and illegal gun parts.

Legislative Status

Asm. Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D) sponsored the bill, with co-authors Asm. Darsh Patel (D), Asm. Chris Rogers (D), Asm. Catherine Stefani (D), and Sen. Tim Grayson (D). The Assembly passed the bill 58 to 19 on May 26. The Senate passed it 29 to 10 on Aug. 31, and the Assembly concurred in Senate amendments 60 to 18 the same day. A group of 3D-printing companies, stagecraft and prop-making studios, and other industry stakeholders objected in a June 1 letter to lawmakers, saying the bill raised First Amendment concerns and would harm businesses, the Los Angeles Times reported.

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