New York Governor Hochul Proposes Stricter Regulations on 3D Printed Guns

Governor Kathy Hochul has unveiled a new initiative aimed at tightening regulations surrounding the possession and creation of firearms, particularly focusing on 3D printed guns and “ghost guns.” Hochul argues that these untraceable weapons pose a rising threat to public safety across the nation.

Key Proposals from Governor Hochul

• Criminalization of Digital Instructions: Under the proposed legislation, it would become a criminal offense to possess digital blueprints for creating guns or firearm components without proper licensing.

• Stricter Safety Standards for 3D Printers: Manufacturers of 3D printers will be required to adhere to new safety measures. This includes integrating technology that prevents the printing of firearms, addressing concerns that school classrooms may inadvertently produce weapons.

• Design Changes for Firearms: Gun manufacturers will be mandated to engineer pistols in a way that makes it difficult to modify them into automatic or semi-automatic weapons quickly.

• Police Reporting Requirements: All recovered 3D printed firearms will need to be reported to the state’s Criminal Gun Clearinghouse database, helping authorities maintain an accurate inventory of such dangerous items.

Hochul stressed, “Public safety is my top priority. When I took office, I made a promise to New Yorkers to tackle the gun violence epidemic head-on.”

Criticism from Second Amendment Supporters

The proposed legislation has sparked significant backlash, particularly from Second Amendment advocates. Concerns center around the implications of criminalizing the possession of digital files related to firearm manufacturing. The National Rifle Association (NRA) expressed alarm, stating:

“All citizens should be gravely concerned with unconstitutional prior restraints on free speech when government requires private companies to monitor and censor information on what citizens are legally allowed to create and possess in their own homes.”

The NRA further argues that current laws already impose heavy regulations on all firearms, leaving no significant legal loophole for 3D printed weapons.

Local Support for the Initiative

Manhattan’s District Attorney Alvin Bragg has joined in the push for these regulations, previously threatening legal action against 3D printer manufacturers who do not comply. He has also reached out to platforms like YouTube, urging them to remove content related to 3D gun printing. Bragg elaborated:

“These illegal firearms are being manufactured in homes and used in crimes right now, which is why I have been working with my colleagues in Albany and the private sector over the past several years to stop their proliferation.”

Conclusion

As the legislative session in Albany kicks off, the exact wording of the proposed laws is yet to be revealed. However, Governor Hochul’s initiative represents a significant step in the ongoing debate over gun safety and regulation in New York. The tension between public safety and Second Amendment rights will likely continue to dominate discussions as stakeholders from various sides weigh in.

For more information on gun laws and regulations, visit NRA’s stance on gun legislation.