SFY 2026-2027 Enacted Budget; A2228; S227A / A2023
Budget provisions are law. Three more bills are still moving.
Last reviewed 2026-08-01
In May 2026 New York enacted provisions regulating 3D printing directly, as part of the state budget package rather than as a standalone bill. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal were the primary champions.
The enacted text prohibits using a 3D printer to manufacture ghost guns, silencers, high-capacity magazines or firearm components, and criminalises the sale and distribution of the CAD, STL and G-code files used to program a printer to fabricate weapons.
It also directs the Division of Criminal Justice Services, the Department of State and SUNY to convene an interagency working group with technical experts to study whether mandatory print-blocking technology is feasible. If the group finds that it is, New York would require every consumer 3D printer sold in the state to ship with built-in blocks preventing regulated weapon models from being scanned or printed.
Separately, the Jose Webster Untraceable Firearms Act of 2021 is already active law, and three further bills remain pending in committee.
Prohibits using a 3D printer to manufacture ghost guns, silencers, high-capacity magazines or firearm components.
Criminalises the sale and distribution of digital design files (CAD, STL, G-code) used to program printers to fabricate weapons.
Directs DCJS, the Department of State and SUNY to study mandatory print-blocking technology, with a possible requirement that all consumer printers sold in the state ship with built-in blocks.
Jose Webster Untraceable Firearms Act (2021, Penal Law 265.00 / 265.10): criminalises manufacture, sale or possession of ghost guns and unfinished frames by anyone other than a state-licensed gunsmith.
A2228 (pending, Assembly Codes Committee): would require a criminal history background check and FBI fingerprint check to buy a 3D printer capable of printing a firearm, sponsored by Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar.
S227A / A2023 (pending): would upgrade distributing CAD or STL files for 3D-printed firearms to a Class A misdemeanour and clarify assembly as a Class D felony, sponsored by Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal.
Support enforcement of 3D-printed gun bans, CAD file distribution restrictions, and print-blocking feasibility studies.
Contact state representatives or submit public statements to legislative committees.
New York State Assembly & Senate Public Portals (nysenate.gov)
Educate state agencies on CAD files, slicer software, and open-source hardware to prevent broad restrictions on general-purpose 3D printers.
Submit technical comments to the DCJS/SUNY Print-Blocking Feasibility Working Group and legislative codes committees.
Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) & Local Makerspaces / FabLabs
Voice constituent feedback regarding background check mandates for 3D printer hardware.
Contact members of the NYS Assembly Codes Committee.
NYS Assembly Codes Committee Member Directory
Monitor rule-making and administrative policies issued by state agencies following the 2026–2027 budget adoption.
Track announcements and public comment windows in the New York State Register.
NYS Department of State / Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS)