California bill requiring 3D printers to block firearm printing becomes law

What happened

Gavin Newsom has signed into law a bill that requires 3D printer manufacturers to include firearm-blocking technology in their products once an industry standard is published by ASTM International. Two other states, Colorado and Washington state , also have similar bills that would require “blocking features” moving through state legislatures.

Since the law only affects 3D printers that have yet to be sold, existing 3D printers do not need to be retrofitted with firearm-blocking technology, addressing one of the major concerns of the 3D printing community . However, the California DOJ is only mandated to check for one until July 1, 2029, after which it is no longer obliged by law to do so.

This makes California the second state to enact firearm restrictions on 3D printers following New York . It’s also not a straightforward ban on non-compliant printers and only regulates the sale and transfer of 3D printers, not their ownership or use.