New York Governor Kathy Hochul is pushing for stricter regulations on 3D printing technology in an effort to curb the production of "ghost guns" – firearms that are manufactured without a serial number or other identifying marks. The proposed legislation would require all 3D printers sold in the state to be equipped with software that blocks the creation of ghost guns and their components.
Hochul's plan aims to prevent "do-it-yourself gun traffickers" from setting up unsanctioned firearm factories at home, as she put it. This comes amid rising concerns about the proliferation of ghost guns, which are increasingly used in shootings. According to police data, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) recovers hundreds of 3D-printed guns every year.
The proposed bill would create minimum safety standards for 3D printer manufacturers, forcing them to include technology that blocks the creation of firearms and component parts. The governor's office described this as a crucial step in preventing ghost guns from falling into the wrong hands.
However, some critics have argued that existing gun control laws are sufficient, citing New York's ban on ghost guns passed in 2021. But Hochul is pushing for more stringent regulations, including new requirements on gun manufacturers to design pistols that can't be easily modified into automatic weapons using external devices like Glock switches.
The proposal has been praised by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who likened ghost guns to "real killing machines" and expressed support for the new tools that would allow law enforcement to hold people accountable. While details of the plan are still being unveiled, Hochul has promised to provide more information in her upcoming State of the State address.
The move comes as the legislative session gets underway in Albany, with many lawmakers and law enforcement officials calling for increased action on ghost guns and gun violence. The push for stricter regulations on 3D printing technology is seen as a key part of this effort.
Hochul's plan aims to prevent "do-it-yourself gun traffickers" from setting up unsanctioned firearm factories at home, as she put it. This comes amid rising concerns about the proliferation of ghost guns, which are increasingly used in shootings. According to police data, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) recovers hundreds of 3D-printed guns every year.
The proposed bill would create minimum safety standards for 3D printer manufacturers, forcing them to include technology that blocks the creation of firearms and component parts. The governor's office described this as a crucial step in preventing ghost guns from falling into the wrong hands.
However, some critics have argued that existing gun control laws are sufficient, citing New York's ban on ghost guns passed in 2021. But Hochul is pushing for more stringent regulations, including new requirements on gun manufacturers to design pistols that can't be easily modified into automatic weapons using external devices like Glock switches.
The proposal has been praised by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who likened ghost guns to "real killing machines" and expressed support for the new tools that would allow law enforcement to hold people accountable. While details of the plan are still being unveiled, Hochul has promised to provide more information in her upcoming State of the State address.
The move comes as the legislative session gets underway in Albany, with many lawmakers and law enforcement officials calling for increased action on ghost guns and gun violence. The push for stricter regulations on 3D printing technology is seen as a key part of this effort.