Bill to Prohibit 3D-Printing of Firearms Passes Senate

HB26-1144 would strengthen Colorado’s existing law to crack down on ghost guns

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senators Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, and Katie Wallace, D-Longmont, to prevent gun violence by prohibiting the three-dimensional printing of firearms, large-capacity magazines or other firearm components passed the Senate today.

“The rise in 3D-printer technology has introduced a new front in our fight to prevent gun violence in the United States,” Sullivan said. “It is imperative that we act right now to shore up existing law to prevent the at-home production of ghost guns, saving countless lives before they are threatened.”

"In Colorado, three lives are lost to gun violence every single day. This legislation is an intervention in that violence and in the growing threat of untraceable, 3D printed firearms," Wallace said. "The threat of 3D printed weapons is growing, but it is also preventable. This legislation would close loopholes in existing law to prevent gun violence and make Colorado safer.”

HB26-1144 would prohibit the use of a three-dimensional printer, or similar devices, to make a firearm or a firearm component. An initial violation of this provision would be a class 1 misdemeanor, and any subsequent violation would be a class 5 felony. 

Since 2016, the number of ghost guns used in crimes throughout the country increased by 1000-percent, yet over 99-percent of those guns cannot be traced back to a user, owner or producer. Between 2016 and 2021, law enforcement reported recovering over 45,000 privately-made firearms, including in nearly 700 homicide or attempted homicide investigations. When an untraceable gun is used in a crime, it can be impossible for a gun violence victim and their family to seek accountability.

Colorado Democrats passed the original “ghost guns” law back in 2023, which prohibited the possession, sale or transfer of unserialized firearms, frames and receivers.

HB26-1144 now moves back to the House for consideration of amendments. Track its progress HERE.