Posted: | December 5, 2022 03:00 PM |
---|---|
From: | Representative Melissa L. Shusterman |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | 3D-Printed Firearms |
In recent years, several police departments have expressed concerns about the dangers 3D-printed firearms pose to the public. 3D-printed firearms are untraceable and lack identifying features commonly found on firearms, such as a serial number, making them difficult to trace when discovered at a crime scene. Additionally, the number of ghost guns recovered at crime scenes reported to the AFT has since risen from just under 4,000 in 2018 to nearly 20,000 in 2021. The ATF has pointed to 3D printing as a driver of why these weapons are prevalent in crime investigations. Without adequate safeguards in place, 3D-printed firearms will be untraceable, undetectable, and readily available. For this reason, I will be introducing legislation to ensure 3D-printed firearms are treated as standard firearms under law and are subject to all standing laws and regulations. In addition, my proposal would prohibit anyone from printing a firearm without a license from the federal government to manufacture firearms. Before law enforcement can crack down on untraceable firearms, our firearm laws must apply to 3D-printed firearms. My legislation will give law enforcement one of the tools they need to protect themselves and our communities from rising gun violence. I ask that you join me in co-sponsoring this legislation to ensure the continued safety of Pennsylvanians and to end the proliferation of untraceable firearms in our state. |
Introduced as HB1190