Colorado has taken a significant step in gun violence prevention by enacting a new law that bans the 3D printing of firearms and firearm components. Governor Jared Polis signed the bill, known as HB26-1144, aimed at addressing the surge of ghost guns manufactured using accessible 3D printing technology.
Details of the New Legislation
The law explicitly prohibits the use of 3D printers or similar technology to create firearms. Violators will face serious repercussions; an initial offense is classified as a class 1 misdemeanor, while repeat offenders will be charged with a class 5 felony.
Background on Ghost Guns
Ghost guns are firearms that lack serial numbers, making them nearly impossible to trace. Since 2016, incidents involving ghost guns in the United States have skyrocketed, with a 1000 percent increase in criminal cases. Alarmingly, over 99 percent of these weapons cannot be linked to any owner or user.
- Crimes involving ghost guns rose by 1000% since 2016.
- More than 45,000 privately-made firearms were recovered by law enforcement between 2016 and 2021.
- Ghost guns played a role in nearly 700 homicide or attempted homicide investigations.
Legislative Support and Impact
The importance of this law was underscored by several lawmakers during its announcement. Rep. Lindsay Gilchrist emphasized that 3D printed guns undermine critical safety measures like background checks. Sen. Tom Sullivan highlighted the urgency of acting against the threats posed by at-home production of these firearms.
Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker referred to this law as an essential step in bolstering Colorado’s gun safety regulations. He noted that it strengthens existing laws that aim to keep untraceable guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals.
Addressing Gun Violence in Colorado
Sen. Katie Wallace pointed out that Colorado loses three lives to gun violence daily. She believes this new law will help close loopholes and ultimately make the state safer by targeting the rising tide of untraceable, 3D printed firearms.
This legislative action represents a proactive approach to combatting gun violence in Colorado, ensuring that modern technology is governed by laws designed to protect the community. By closing existing gaps and enforcing stricter measures, Colorado aims to reduce the potential for gun violence and enhance public safety.
