AB2047 (2026): Mandating 3D Printing Blocking Technology for Firearms

What the Law Does

Assembly Bill 2047 establishes a conditional requirement for firearm blocking technology in 3D printers^[1]. DOJ must check quarterly, beginning no later than July 1, 2027, whether ASTM International has published industry standards. If DOJ determines that published or adopted standards demonstrate technological feasibility, it must publish guidance or regulations within 24 months. The sales restrictions begin one year after that publication. They do not apply to printers used exclusively to manufacture entertainment props, and DOJ may provide additional exceptions. The technology must evaluate printing files and prevent printing unless the file is determined not to produce a firearm or machine gun conversion device.

California has been at the forefront of ghost gun regulation. AB1263 (2025, now law) prohibits knowingly or willfully facilitating unlawful firearm manufacture and expands civil remedies concerning digital firearm manufacturing code. Despite these laws, the number of unserialized firearms recovered by law enforcement has continued to increase, and AB2047 establishes a conditional requirement for technology that evaluates printing files^[2].

Current Status

AB 2047 was approved by the Governor and chaptered on September 26, 2026 as Chapter 461, Statutes of 2026. It takes effect January 1, 2027. The printer sales restrictions begin only after the standards and guidance process described above.

What to Watch

This bill faces extraordinary technical and legal challenges. The law requires the Department of Justice to check quarterly, beginning no later than July 1, 2027, whether ASTM International has published industry standards for firearm blocking technology. Implementation depends on the department determining that those standards demonstrate technological feasibility. Legally, the bill implicates First Amendment questions (the speech-protection claims concerning 3D printing files in Defense Distributed v. U.S. Department of State were not resolved on the merits in the 2016 preliminary-injunction appeal), Commerce Clause issues (regulating manufacturers outside California), and preemption concerns. The 3D printing industry will likely mount significant opposition. AB 2047 was enacted as Chapter 461, Statutes of 2026. Its printer sales restrictions depend on ASTM standards that DOJ determines demonstrate technological feasibility and begin one year after DOJ publishes the required guidance or regulations.