Colorado is working on a bill that would make it illegal to 3D print firearms and gun parts

Engadget

by Jackson Chen

February 22, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Colorado lawmakers are advancing a bill, HB26-1144, that would make it illegal to 3D print firearms or firearm components using three-dimensional printers or similar technology. The proposed law aims to combat the growing issue of "ghost guns," which are untraceable weapons made without serial numbers, often through 3D printing or other methods. These ghost guns allow users to bypass federal firearm purchasing requirements, posing significant challenges for law enforcement in tracking crimes involving these weapons. The bill was recently approved by the House Judiciary Committee in a 7-4 vote and will now move to the full House of Representatives for further consideration. If passed, HB26-1144 would not only prohibit the manufacturing of firearms through 3D printing but also ban the possession and distribution of instructions for creating such weapons. However, federally licensed firearm manufacturers would be exempt from these restrictions. The bill’s sponsor, Lindsay Gilchrist, highlighted that ghost guns are increasingly recovered at crime scenes, making it difficult for law enforcement to identify suspects due to the lack of traceable serial numbers. This issue gained attention after Colorado passed a similar law in 2023, which banned ownership and the creation of frames for ghost guns. HB26-1144 builds on this by targeting the manufacturing process itself, effectively preventing ghost guns from being made in the first place. The proposed legislation also introduces penalties for violations: first-time offenses would be classified as misdemeanors, while repeat offenses could lead to felony charges. The bill’s broader focus on preventing ghost guns before they are created marks a significant step forward in addressing this emerging threat. For tech enthusiasts and those interested in 3D printing, this bill raises important questions about the intersection of technology and public safety. While 3

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Originally published on Engadget on 2/22/2026