California's New Bill Requires DOJ-Approved 3D Printers That Report on Themselves
Slashdot
by BeauHDFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
California is set to introduce a groundbreaking but highly controversial bill aimed at regulating 3D printers through strict state certification and firearm-blocking technology. Known as AB-2047, or the "California Firearm Printing Prevention Act," this legislation would ban the sale of non-certified 3D printers in the state after March 1, 2029. Manufacturers would need to obtain DOJ approval for their models, ensuring they are equipped with software capable of blocking firearm production. Failure to comply could result in hefty civil penalties, up to $25,000 per violation.
The bill, proposed by Assembly Member Bauer-Kahan, establishes a certification process requiring state-approved algorithms and software control systems. Approved printers would be listed quarterly by the DOJ, creating a cumbersome bureaucracy that has drawn criticism from tech enthusiasts and civil liberties advocates. Opponents argue that the technology is inherently flawed—desktop 3D printers lack the processing power to accurately detect gun parts based on geometry alone, and open-source firmware makes any blocking measures easy to bypass.
Critics, including the Firearms Policy Coalition, view AB-2047 as an overreach. They highlight that regulating general-purpose machines like 3D printers for potential misuse is impractical and stifles innovation. Comments from tech experts and advocacy groups emphasize that the bill's approach is both ineffective and overly broad, targeting a technology with broader applications than just firearm production.
This legislation reflects a growing trend of state-level attempts to regulate 3D printing in response to concerns about homemade firearms. However, it stands out for its far-reaching requirements, including mandatory surveillance software and penalties for hardware modifications. Such measures have sparked debates over the balance between public safety and personal freedoms, particularly in tech circles where innovation and open-source principles are highly valued.
For readers interested in technology policy, AB-2047 raises critical questions about the future of 3D printing regulation. It underscores the challenges governments face in addressing emerging technologies with dual-use potential while respecting innovation and individual rights. As similar bills emerge in other states, California's approach could set a precedent for how society navigates this complex intersection of technology and law.
Verticals
tech
Originally published on Slashdot on 2/20/2026