This bill addresses the growing challenge of how new technology, specifically 3D printing, impacts gun control and public safety. If it becomes law, it would directly target the online distribution of blueprints for 'ghost guns'—firearms made at home that lack serial numbers and are often untraceable. This could significantly reduce the number of such weapons in circulation, making it harder for criminals or those legally barred from owning guns to acquire them.
Without this bill, the online availability of these plans would likely continue unimpeded, potentially leading to more untraceable firearms being made. This legislation seeks to close what some see as a loophole that allows for the creation of weapons that circumvent existing gun laws, affecting both law enforcement's ability to trace firearms used in crimes and public safety in general, especially concerning firearms that might evade metal detectors.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Makes it unlawful to intentionally distribute digital instructions, such as Computer Aided Design (CAD) files or other code, over the internet or World Wide Web.
This is the core prohibition, directly targeting the online sharing of blueprints for 3D-printed firearms.
PROVISION 02
The prohibition applies to digital instructions that can automatically program a 3D printer or similar device to produce a firearm.
This specifies the type of output the banned digital files would create, focusing on complete firearms.
PROVISION 03
The prohibition also covers digital instructions that can automatically program a 3D printer or similar device to complete a firearm from an unfinished frame or receiver.
This broadens the scope to include plans for finishing partly-made gun components, addressing another common method of creating untraceable firearms.
This bill addresses the growing challenge of how new technology, specifically 3D printing, impacts gun control and public safety. If it becomes law, it would directly target the online distribution of blueprints for 'ghost guns'—firearms made at home that lack serial numbers and are often untraceable. This could significantly reduce the number of such weapons in circulation, making it harder for criminals or those legally barred from owning guns to acquire them.
Without this bill, the online availability of these plans would likely continue unimpeded, potentially leading to more untraceable firearms being made. This legislation seeks to close what some see as a loophole that allows for the creation of weapons that circumvent existing gun laws, affecting both law enforcement's ability to trace firearms used in crimes and public safety in general, especially concerning firearms that might evade metal detectors.
KEY PROVISIONS
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high
Makes it unlawful to intentionally distribute digital instructions, such as Computer Aided Design (CAD) files or other code, over the internet or World Wide Web.
This is the core prohibition, directly targeting the online sharing of blueprints for 3D-printed firearms.
high
The prohibition applies to digital instructions that can automatically program a 3D printer or similar device to produce a firearm.
This specifies the type of output the banned digital files would create, focusing on complete firearms.
high
The prohibition also covers digital instructions that can automatically program a 3D printer or similar device to complete a firearm from an unfinished frame or receiver.
This broadens the scope to include plans for finishing partly-made gun components, addressing another common method of creating untraceable firearms.
Not specified in this excerpt, but violations of 18 U.S.C. 922 typically carry fines and/or imprisonment.
Any person who intentionally distributes, over the internet or by means of the World Wide Web, digital instructions in the form of Computer Aided Design files or other code that can automatically program a 3-dimensional printer or similar device to produce a firearm or complete a firearm from an unfinished frame or receiver.
GLOSSARY
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3D Printing
A manufacturing process where a three-dimensional solid object is created layer by layer from a digital design file, using a specialized machine called a 3D printer.
Firearm Schematics
Digital blueprints or plans, often in the form of computer files, that provide the technical instructions for creating or assembling a firearm using a 3D printer or other manufacturing methods.
Ghost Gun
A privately made firearm that does not have a serial number. Because it lacks a serial number, it cannot be traced by law enforcement agencies.
Unfinished Frame or Receiver
A component of a firearm that is not yet fully functional but is considered the essential part of a gun. When finished, it becomes the legal 'firearm' itself. These parts are often unregulated until they are completed.
Computer Aided Design (CAD) files
Digital files that contain detailed geometric designs for objects. These files are commonly used with computer software to design, analyze, and manufacture products, including by 3D printers.
Title 18, United States Code
The section of federal law that defines federal crimes and criminal procedures in the United States. Section 922 within this title deals with prohibitions regarding firearms.
The act of giving out, circulating, or making something available to others, in this context specifically referring to sharing digital files over the internet.
