Senate Nears Vote on Bill to Prohibit Gun CAD File Sharing

A legislative proposal in the United States Senate, aimed at prohibiting the online distribution of digital blueprints for 3D printing firearms, is poised for a vote. Titled the 3D Printed Gun Safety Act, Senate Bill 1819 was initiated by Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) and received backing from 28 Democratic senators, including prominent figures like Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and the late Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).

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Senator Kristin Gillibrand (D-NY), one of the bill's co-sponsors, emphasized the gravity of the issue, stating, “We’re not discussing toy guns here. This is about actual, functioning semi-automatic weapons such as AR-15 rifles and Beretta M9 handguns. Many 3D printed guns are plastic, making them undetectable by metal detectors in secure public venues. These 'ghost guns' are increasingly being used in crimes, posing challenges for law enforcement."

The proposed legislation aims to curb the distribution of computer-aided design (CAD) files online, specifically targeting platforms like Defense Distributed’s Def CAD website. These files enable individuals with access to 3D printers – now more affordable than ever – to produce their own firearm receivers. This burgeoning DIY gun culture, fueled by the 3D printing revolution, is seen as rendering current gun regulations ineffective.

A key concern addressed by the bill is the absence of serial numbers on 3D-printed firearms. Although federal law doesn't mandate serial numbers on homemade guns, efforts to modify this have stalled in Congress. Consequently, President Joe Biden directed the ATF to enact a rule prohibiting 80% kits and reclassify unfinished frames as firearms, although this rule sidestepped the issue of 3D-printed guns.

Some states, like New York, have proposed stringent measures, including mandating background checks for purchasing 3D printers and barring individuals prohibited from owning firearms from obtaining these printers.

The bill's implications extend beyond the Second Amendment, raising First Amendment concerns as well. Advocates argue that computer code is a form of protected speech. They draw parallels to publications like the Anarchist Cookbook, which, despite its controversial content, is shielded by free speech rights, suggesting that gun-related computer code should receive similar protection.

While a corresponding bill in the House of Representatives faces challenges due to Republican opposition, the Senate bill's fate is uncertain. Despite previous successes in passing bipartisan gun legislation, achieving a supermajority in the Senate for this bill remains doubtful.