NY bill would require a criminal history background check for the purchase of a 3D printer::Requires a criminal history background check for the purchase of a three-dimensional printer capable of creating firearms; prohibits sale to a person who would be disqualified on the basis of criminal history from being granted a license to possess a firearm.
It would probably be argued under free speech oddly enough.
Not even ‘oddly enough.’
While you can’t own a bomb factory without proper authorization (because its only purpose is building bombs), something as general-purpose as a 3D printer would absolutely enjoy first amendment protections.
Interesting tidbit: it’s not illegal to make your own guns in the US. You don’t even need a license.
I mean, imagine telling someone who was once convicted of a crime “no sorry, you can’t buy a 3D printer to make things around the house, you could make a gun as well!”
If the only thing a 3D printer could do is print a gun, then there’d be an argument. This is like banning callipers from convicted criminals because they could be used to measure ammunition. If this law somehow sticks, I will be very disappointed in the shortsighted thinking that led to such a law passing.