States Clash Over 3d-printed Gun Regulations Amid Second Amendment Debates

WHO:

Fox News - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives officials are involved in warning about a "Glock switch."

Fox News - Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York holds a 3D-printed gun part during a press conference.

Fox News - Manhattan's Democratic District Attorney Alvin Bragg is involved in the discussion of 3D-printed gun laws.

Fox News - Former New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed Bill A4975.

Fox News - William Sack is the senior director of legal operations at the Second Amendment Foundation.

Fox News - Cody Wilson is the owner of Defense Distributed.

WHAT:

Fox News - At least 16 states have enacted laws regarding 3D-printed guns.

Fox News - Seven states added major legislation on 3D-printed guns in 2026.

Fox News - New York's law regarding 3D-printed guns will go into effect by mid-June.

Fox News - Maine's legislature passed a bill requiring serial numbers on all firearms, including 3D-manufactured guns.

Fox News - New Jersey's Bill A4975 requires residents to have a firearms license to possess instructions or blueprints for 3D firearms.

Fox News - Colorado and Virginia passed laws against weapons without serial numbers.

Fox News - Washington state law restricts possession of serial-free weapons and imposes constraints on digital blueprints for 3D guns.

Fox News - The ATF recovered over 27,000 3D-printed ghost guns from crime scenes in January 2023, compared to just over 1,600 in January 2017.

Fox News - A three-judge panel on the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit sided with New Jersey in a case against Defense Distributed.

WHERE:

Fox News - New York State Police Forensic Investigation Center in Albany is where Gov. Kathy Hochul held a press conference.

Fox News - The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives National Services Center is located in Martinsburg, West Virginia.

WHEN:

Fox News - New York's law regarding 3D-printed guns will go into effect by mid-June 2026.

Fox News - The Washington state law was signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson in March 2026.

Fox News - Maine's bill was passed in January 2026.

Fox News - New Jersey's Bill A4975 was signed by former Gov. Phil Murphy in January 2026.

WHY:

Fox News - Advocates argue that restrictions on 3D-printed firearms conflict with constitutional protections under the Second Amendment.

Fox News - Proponents for stricter gun laws argue that the rise of 3D-printed weapons increases the likelihood of adverse shootings in American communities.

HOW:

Fox News - New York's law will require 3D printer manufacturers to equip devices with technology to block the printing of firearms.

Fox News - The legal team for Defense Distributed plans to petition the Supreme Court if unsuccessful in their case against New Jersey's restrictions.

(UPDATED June 12, 2026 10:22 UTC)

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives is warning about a "Glock switch," as discussions around 3D-printed gun laws intensify, with New York Governor Kathy Hochul showcasing a 3D-printed gun part during a press conference. At least 16 states have enacted laws concerning 3D-printed firearms, with New York's law set to take effect by mid-June 2026, requiring manufacturers to implement technology that blocks the printing of guns. Meanwhile, New Jersey's Bill A4975 mandates that residents obtain a firearms license to possess instructions for 3D firearms, and the legal team for Defense Distributed plans to petition the Supreme Court if they do not succeed in their case against New Jersey's restrictions.