US states to challenge publication of 3D-printed gun files News
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US states to challenge publication of 3D-printed gun files

Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced Monday that he state will lead a challenge to the Trump Administration’s latest effort to allow unregistered, untraceable 3D-printed gun files to be released on the internet.

The Trump administration published unfinished formal rules that would transfer regulation of 3D-printed guns from the State Department to the Department of Commerce, effectively allowing their unlimited distribution. In the rules, the administration acknowledges the dangers posed by the distribution of 3D-printed gun files to US persons and allies abroad and that they present a grave concern for the US. The administration also acknowledged that regulating the distribution of 3D-printed gun files does not violate the First or Second Amendments.

When the rules are finalized, Ferguson and a 21-state coalition will file a federal lawsuit, arguing those rules are unlawful for many of the same reasons as the previous attempt in 2019. Ferguson would argue that the administration has offered no evidence supporting their argument for allowing unregulated access to firearms worldwide and its failure to provide meaningful public notice also violates the APA.

Ferguson has also taken action on 3D-printed guns at the state level.

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