A group of Colorado lawmakers want to put an end to “ghost guns” and their growing popularity. Earlier this week, the state’s House Judiciary Committee passed HB26-1144 by a 7-4 majority, making the decision jointly with the full House. The proposed law would “prohibit the use of three-dimensional printers or similar technologies to manufacture firearms or firearm parts.”
Ghost guns are often made from 3D printers or similar machines and do not have serial numbers, which makes them nearly untraceable and allows users to bypass federal requirements to purchase firearms. While the bill targets the use of 3D printers to manufacture firearms, high-capacity magazines and other related parts, it prohibits even the possession and distribution of instructions for manufacturing firearms in this manner. However, these rules would be exempt for federally licensed gun manufacturers.
“These ghost guns are increasingly being found at crime scenes, making it more difficult for law enforcement to track suspects because the guns cannot be traced,” Lindsay Gilchrist, the bill’s sponsor, said in a press release.
The proposal comes after Colorado passed a law in 2023 banning the possession of ghost guns or making frames for them. While SB23-279 laid the groundwork, HB26-1144 can be seen as the next step as it targets ghost guns before they are even manufactured, making it more inclusive. Under the bill, a first violation would be considered a misdemeanor, while repeat violations would be upgraded to felonies. Going forward, HB26-1144 still needs to receive votes from the Colorado Senate and House of Representatives before going to the governor to be signed into law.