Washington State's HB 2320: 3D Printing Bill Advances While Broader Firearms Control Stalls

Washington Advances 3D Printed Firearms Legislation

Washington State's House Bill 2320, targeting the use of 3D printers and CNC machines to manufacture firearms without a license, has passed the House and is now headed to the Senate for further consideration.

What HB 2320 Does

The bill aims to update Washington state laws to address the rise of untraceable "ghost guns" by banning the use of 3D printers or CNC machines to create firearms or components (frames and receivers) without a federal firearms license.

The legislation was removed from the Appropriations Committee and moved to Rules 2, where it could be brought for a House Floor vote without public input. An amendment was approved, and the 1st substitute bill will be transmitted to the Senate.

Broader Bill Stalls

While HB 2320 advances, a broader 3D printer control bill has stalled in committee. The more comprehensive legislation that aimed to address software and digital manufacturing code for ghost guns did not move forward.

Context

The bills address a growing concern around so-called "ghost guns" - firearms manufactured without serial numbers that are difficult to trace. The legislation specifically targets individuals who would use personal 3D printers or CNC machines to produce firearms without obtaining the required federal licenses.

The National Rifle Association's Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) has been tracking the bill, noting that it was fast-tracked through the legislative process after initially being considered by the Appropriations committee.