3D Printing Laws & Legislation
The legal landscape around 3D printing is changing fast. From California's controversial printer censorware bill to federal ghost gun legislation, here is everything makers need to know — tracked and explained in plain English.
Hot Right Now: California AB 2047
A proposed California bill would mandate censorware on ALL 3D printers and criminalize open-source firmware like Klipper and Marlin. This affects every 3D printer owner — not just those printing firearms. The EFF is actively fighting it.
DISCLAIMER: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before making any decisions based on this content.
California's AB 2047 is the most controversial piece of 3D printing legislation ever proposed in the United States — and it affects every 3D printer owner, not just those interested in firearms.
The bill would require manufacturers to install "censorware" — software that algorithmically blocks certain print jobs — on every 3D printer sold in California. More alarming, it would make it a criminal misdemeanor for users to disable, deactivate, or circumvent these algorithms.
In practical terms, this would criminalize the use of open-source firmware like Klipper and Marlin, which power the majority of hobbyist 3D printers. It would also enable printer manufacturers to lock users into purchasing first-party filament and parts — similar to how 2D printer manufacturers have used DRM to force users to buy expensive branded ink cartridges.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) published a strongly-worded opposition piece in April 2026, calling the bill "a gift to the biggest 3D printer manufacturers" and warning that it would enable planned obsolescence, platform lock-in, and surveillance of what users print.
The bill is currently in the California legislature. It has not passed.
Stay Informed
This tracker is updated as legislation changes. The 3D printing legal landscape is moving fast — especially in 2026. Bookmark this page and check back regularly.
Last updated: April 2026 · This is informational content only, not legal advice.