New York lawmakers are looking at requiring consumers to first go through a criminal history background check before they can buy certain 3D printers.
The legislation is designed to crack down on potential misuse of 3D printers capable of manufacturing gun parts. The proposal comes from Democratic Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar, who introduced the bill on Friday.
Under the legislation, 3D printer retailers would need to request a background check from New York’s criminal justice services when a customer tries to make a purchase. Criminal justice services would then need to notify the retailer if the customer has received a felony or serious offense that would make them ineligible to possess a firearm.
Rajkumar didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
The legislation arrives as New York officials and police are concerned about 3D printers manufacturing untraceable firearms, which can fall into the hands of criminals and known felons. These so-called “ghost guns” have become more prevalent in California and New York.
In response, the Manhattan District Attorney and state legislators introduced a separate bill in June to outlaw the manufacture of 3D-printed guns and gun parts. The same bill would also make it a “class A misdemeanor to share, sell or distribute files containing blueprints for 3D-printed firearms components.”
“Technology has made it possible for anyone with a few hundred dollars to create dangerous weapons and firearms in the comfort of their own home,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in June. "At a time when gun control measures are being eroded around the country, New York must remain a leader in enacting the most comprehensive anti-gun legislation possible."
The bill from Rajkumar would further crack down on 3D printers being abused for gun manufacturing. But for now, both pieces of legislation remain in the committee assembly phase.