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Title: Proposing Background Checks for 3D Printer Purchases in New York

Under this proposed legislation, acquiring a 3D printer carries the same implications as purchasing a firearm.

Title: Proposing Background Checks for 3D Printer Purchases in New York

In the early stages of legislation, New York is contemplating a proposal that would mandate background checks for individuals purchasing certain 3D printers capable of generating firearm components. Known as State Assembly Bill A2228, this legislation would obligate retailers selling such 3D printers in New York to request and process the buyer's criminal history information.

The bill dictates that any retailer of a 3D printer with firearm printing capabilities within New York must request and receive criminal history data from the buyer. Within a fifteen-day timeframe, the state would then scrutinize the buyer's background, seeking any evidence of weapons charges or other disqualifying criminal histories before making a purchasing decision.

In a world increasingly reliant on advanced 3D printing technologies, untraceable firearms are becoming increasingly common. Incidents such as Luigi Mangione's use of a 3D-printed Glock-style handgun to assassinate United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson highlight the growing challenge governments worldwide face with addressing the issue of widespread, home-printed, unregistered firearms.

Although A2228 may not be implemented universally, Democratic State Senator Jenifer Rajkumar, the bill's lead sponsor, remains firm in her conviction. Rajkumar has resubmitted this bill, aiming to combat the prevalence of 3D-printed handguns and the soaring "ghost gun" shootings, which have increased exponentially across the United States.

Governments across the nation are grappling with the complexity of home-manufactured, unregistered firearms. Conversely, opposition to the bill is mounting, with concerns about overreach, effectiveness, and unintended consequences.

Enforcement of 3D-printed firearms regulation varies significantly between states. California, for instance, considers them regular firearms and follows existing gun-ownership rules, requiring legal ownership and the possession of legal, serialized firearms. On the other hand, states like Washington and Oregon have similar legislation, while others have imposed outright bans.

Currently, there is no federal law governing 3D-printed firearms. The Biden administration's executive order aimed at regulating 3D-printed gun assembly kits reflects an effort to classify these weapons as regular firearms and apply existing firearm regulations. Nonetheless, enthusiasts and "DIY" gun manufacturers may not be keen on incurring the administrative burden and privacy concerns associated with federal databases.

The proposed legislation in New York, if enacted, could set a precedent for other tech-forward nations grappling with the proliferation of 3D-printed firearms in the tech-driven future. As technology advancements continue to facilitate the production of untraceable weapons, the need for stricter regulations becomes increasingly pertinent.

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