Firearms: 3-dimensional printing blocking technology

The law creates a state process to prevent 3D printers from printing firearms or machine-gun conversion devices. Its sales requirement begins only after the Department of Justice identifies qualifying ASTM International standards and issues state performance rules.

What the law does ​

• Requires the Department of Justice, starting no later than July 1, 2027, to check quarterly for ASTM International standards on 3D-printer firearm-blocking technology.
• Requires the Department of Justice to issue guidance or regulations within 24 months if ASTM standards are published or adopted and demonstrate the technology is feasible.
• Bars the sale, offer for sale, or paid transfer of noncompliant 3D printers one year after the Department of Justice issues its standards.
• Allows the Department of Justice to set performance standards, require manufacturer self-certification, update standards, and create additional consistent exceptions.
• Exempts printers used exclusively to make entertainment-industry props.
• Exempts bona fide distribution of digital firearm-manufacturing code for developing, testing, or maintaining a library for firearm-blocking technology from the specified civil liability.
• Ends the Department of Justice's obligation to keep checking if ASTM International has not published standards by July 1, 2029.

Who it affects ​

• 3D-printer manufacturers and sellers serving California customers.
• People and businesses buying or receiving 3D printers for consideration in California.
• Entertainment-industry users whose printers are used exclusively for props.
• Developers and testers of firearm-blocking technology using digital firearm-manufacturing code for that bona fide purpose.