A group of legislators introduced Tuesday a bill designed to block the online publication of blueprints used to make fully functioning 3D-printed guns.
Sens. Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Bill Nelson (D-FL) joined 20 of their Senate colleagues in crafting the measure, which would make it illegal for anyone to intentionally publish a digital file online that programs a 3D printer to manufacture a firearm automatically.
“3D-printed guns are a threat to public safety in our communities and a danger to our law enforcement officers,” Kaine said. “Our nation knows too well the pain of senseless gun violence. The last thing we need is another easy way for lethal weapons to get into the wrong hands and Congress should act quickly to prevent that from happening.”
3D-printed plastic guns are fully-functioning firearms made with resin or plastic using a 3D printer, making them virtually undetectable when carried through a metal detector or past security. The legislators said their action counters Trump Administration plans to allow people to start posting such blueprints online.
Two years ago, Transportation Security Administration agents at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport found and confiscated a plastic gun from a passenger’s carry-on bag during screening, noting the firearm, which was assembled using a 3D printer, was found loaded with five live .22 caliber bullets.
The State Department previously argued that allowing blueprints for 3D-printed guns to be published online violated federal export controls because the digital codes would help facilitate the manufacturing of weapons that can be accessed freely around the globe.
Despite the State Department’s stance, the Justice Department settled a lawsuit earlier this month allowing people to start posting blueprints for 3D-printed guns online starting Aug. 1.