House adopts law tightening rules for 3‑D‑printed and CNC‑manufactured firearms

Lawmakers passed a substitute to House Bill 23‑20 after extended debate over how to regulate untraceable firearms made with 3‑D printers and milling machines. Sponsors framed the bill as closing a dangerous technological loophole; opponents warned about First and Second Amendment issues and the potential to criminalize non‑criminal technical content.

"A 3‑D printer that can cost a few $100 and a downloadable digital file can print an untraceable firearm," Representative Saladin (48th District) said, urging colleagues to close the loophole and citing recent incidents involving 3‑D‑printed weapons.

Floor debate included technical amendments aimed at narrowing the bill’s reach. Representative Walsh moved line amendments and clarifications to ensure covered code would be 'custom written' to manufacture firearms, while opponents—including Representative Berry—argued narrowing the language could undercut enforcement against widely shared printable files. Some members raised constitutional concerns, arguing code is expressive speech and broad criminalization could run afoul of the First Amendment.

After adopting the striking amendment and other changes, the House took final passage. The clerk reported 57 yeas, 39 nays, and 2 excused; the bill was declared passed and will move to the Senate. Supporters said the law balances public safety against technological advances; critics pledged to scrutinize legal and constitutional implications in later stages.

Next steps: The engrossed substitute will be transmitted to the Senate. The bill’s precise enforcement contours (definitions of 'custom‑written code' and 'additive manufacturing') will be central in any subsequent judicial or legislative review.