# Plain Language Summary: 3D Printed Gun Safety Act of 2021

This bill addresses a growing concern about guns made using 3D printers and other manufacturing methods that don't require traditional gun manufacturing. The core issue is that these weapons can be produced without serial numbers, background checks, or any of the standard regulations that apply to commercially manufactured firearms. The bill aims to close this gap by making it illegal to manufacture, distribute, or possess firearms or firearm parts made through 3D printing or similar unregulated production methods, unless those weapons are properly registered and tracked like traditional guns.

Specifically, the law would prohibit people from using 3D printers or other manufacturing equipment to create guns or key gun components (like receivers, which are the part legally considered "the gun"). It would also make it illegal to distribute files, instructions, or designs that allow someone to 3D print a firearm. The penalties for violating these rules would be criminal, meaning people could face fines and prison time. There are some exceptions built in—licensed gun manufacturers and the military would be allowed to use these technologies under proper oversight and regulation.

The practical effect is that anyone attempting to manufacture an untraceable firearm using a 3D printer could face federal criminal charges. This is intended to prevent people who are prohibited from owning guns (like convicted felons or those with certain mental health histories) from easily obtaining weapons that wouldn't show up in any database. It also aims to keep unregistered, untracked firearms out of circulation. However, the bill doesn't affect people who legally own 3D printers for other purposes—it only applies when those printers are used specifically to make guns or gun parts.

3D Printed Gun Safety Act of 2021

Markey, Edward J.

3D Printed Gun Safety Act of 2021 This bill makes it unlawful to intentionally publish digital instructions for programming a three-dimensional printer to make a firearm.