In a notable push to increase public safety, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a set of proposals aimed squarely at reining in the prevalence of 3D-printed guns and other illegal firearms across the state. With a commitment to bolster already stringent gun laws, the Governor's plan includes new penalties for unauthorized manufacturing and possession of digital schematics for firearms, the introduction of mandatory safety standards for 3D printer manufacturers, and is requiring that firearms cannot be easily converted into illegal machine guns.
According to a press release from the Governor's Office, these legislative proposals are a continuation of the state's efforts to stem gun violence—a commitment that saw a dramatic 60 percent drop in statewide shootings since Governor Hochul took office in 2021. This push comes not only as a response to evolving gun technology but also as an assurance that New York's laws adhere to the highest safety standards.
This legislative package would make it a crime to sell, distribute, or possess digital instructions to illegally manufacture guns and their parts without a license, and requires reporting of 3D printed guns to an official database. The Governor also emphasizes placing minimum safety standards into the production of 3D printers themselves, hoping to nip the potential for 3D-printed weaponry in the bud. Additionally, the law aims to curb the quick modification of semi-automatic weapons into fully automatic variants, targeting illegal devices like Glock switches.
The proposed measures have received support from various law enforcement and gun safety advocates. Alvin Bragg, New York County District Attorney, hailed the proposals as crucial for reducing crime, expressing that "These illegal firearms are being manufactured in homes and used in crimes right now, which is why I have been working with my colleagues in Albany and the private sector over the past several years to stop their proliferation," as he told in the aforementioned release by the Governor's Office. Angela Ferrell-Zabala, Executive Director of Moms Demand Action, also lauded the Governor's plan, noting it would tackle the twin perils of prevention and accountability necessary to combat the emergence of DIY machine guns in communities.
Governor Hochul's dedication to addressing gun violence has been consistent, with the state having invested $1.27 billion in various initiatives under her tenure. The upcoming FY 2026 budget includes $347 million earmarked specifically for these gun violence prevention measures. These funds support community outreach, law enforcement upgrades, and various programs aimed at providing at-risk youth with opportunities to deter them from gun-related activities.
