If it ain’t one right enemies of the Bill of Rights go after, it’s another… and sometimes multiple at the same time. Such is the case in Colorado which wants to ban not only any computer assisted manufacture of firearms, but make the “distribution” of the design/instructions illegal. The proposed HB 26-1144 invents multiple new crimes, including:
- Manufacturing or producing a firearm, unfinished frame or receiver, large-capacity magazine, or rapid-fire device (firearm or firearm component) by 3-dimensional printing. The prohibition does not apply to a federally licensed firearm manufacturer.
- Possessing, in circumstances that indicate intent to manufacture a firearm or firearm component in violation of state law or intent to distribute, digital instructions that may be used to program a 3-dimensional printer or a computer numerical control (CNC) milling machine to manufacture or produce a firearm or firearm component. The prohibition does not apply to a federally licensed firearm manufacturer who possesses digital instructions in circumstances that indicate intent to manufacture a firearm or firearm component.
- Distributing digital instructions that may be used to program a 3-dimensional printer or CNC milling machine to manufacture or produce a firearm or firearm component.
So, it’s OK to do it the old fashioned way by hand, but as soon as a computer or program is involved, it become a Class I misdemeanor and then a class 5 felony… all for simply using a computer to help do what this law does not criminalize, per se!
This bill bans mere possession of the electronic design/code with “intent to manufacture” or even just the mere possession if you share it, including sharing it online from anywhere in the world. So yes, you could be a criminal simply for sharing a design file usable by a 3D printer or computer assisted milling machine online.
It’s only a matter of time before they submit an amendment to this bill that requires quartering of troops in the house of anyone who possesses such electronic files to make sure you don’t share otherwise legal information.
The full bill can be read here, or below:
Colorado HB 26-1144 (2026) by ThePoliticalHat
Hat Tip: We The Second Colorado.
