N.J.S.A. 2C:39-9(l); S3894 / A4917; S1558
Law since 2018, with possession of the files now added.
Last reviewed 2026-08-01
New Jersey has had a 3D printing firearms statute since 2018. N.J.S.A. 2C:39-9(l), from P.L. 2018 c. 138, is active law.
S3894 / A4917 passed both legislative houses in late December 2025 and went to Governor Phil Murphy. It closes what the state calls the possession loophole: the 2018 law banned distributing the files, and this extends criminal liability to simply having them. It implements recommendations from the 2024 State Commission of Investigation report on ghost guns.
A third bill, S1558, would elevate 3D-printed and untraceable firearm offences from second-degree to first-degree crimes, carrying 10 to 20 years and fines up to $200,000. It has advanced through Senate committees.
New Jersey is also where the constitutional fight is happening. In Defense Distributed v. Attorney General of New Jersey, a three-judge Third Circuit panel affirmed dismissal on February 12, 2026, ruling that the plaintiffs had not shown functional code files to be protected expressive speech. Plaintiffs have indicated they will seek en banc rehearing or petition the Supreme Court.
2018 law: third-degree crime for an unlicensed person to use a 3D printer to manufacture a firearm, frame, receiver or component.
2018 law: prohibits distributing CAD files, code or digital instructions for 3D-printing firearms to anyone in New Jersey who is not a licensed manufacturer.
2018 law: prohibits manufacturing undetectable firearms via additive manufacturing.
S3894 / A4917: makes it a crime for an unlicensed person to knowingly possess digital instructions with intent to print a firearm, receiver, magazine or component. Up to 18 months imprisonment and a $10,000 fine.
S1558 (advancing): would raise 3D-printed and untraceable firearm offences to first-degree crimes.
S3894 / A4917 and companion bills were introduced and advanced following recommendations from the State Commission of Investigation (SCI). Committee hearings and floor votes are scheduled during the fall 2026 legislative session as the General Assembly and Senate reconvene after summer recess.
Submit written comments or register to testify at upcoming committee meetings (e.g. the Assembly Judiciary Committee or Senate Law and Public Safety Committee). Contact the Office of Legislative Services (OLS) at (609) 847-3900 or visit the New Jersey Legislature Portal to view hearing schedules and register. You can also locate your local District Assembly members and State Senator via the NJ Legislative District Finder.
On February 12, 2026 a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit affirmed the dismissal of the lawsuit. In late 2026 the plaintiffs indicated plans to petition for an en banc rehearing or file a petition for a Writ of Certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Industry trade groups, open-source technology advocates, makerspace networks and civil liberties organizations can file amicus curiae briefs with the Third Circuit or the U.S. Supreme Court to explain the technical realities of slicers, G-code and CAD distribution models.
Public reporting windows and advisory panel feedback sessions occur periodically prior to executive rule-making.
Industry advocates and local manufacturing businesses can offer tours or demonstrations to legislative committees, to educate lawmakers on how standard additive manufacturing operates and prevent non-firearm industrial software being caught in broad digital control definitions.