Senators advance bill to ban unlicensed 3‑D printing of firearms after emotional testimony

Senators on a Colorado Senate committee voted 3–2 on March 22 to send House Bill 11 44 to the Committee of the Whole after hours of testimony from survivors, students and gun‑rights advocates.

Senator Wallace, co‑prime sponsor of the bill, told the committee the measure updates Colorado’s 2023 ghost‑gun law to cover modern threats from 3‑D printing, including unfinished frames and receivers, "high‑capacity magazines" and what sponsors described as rapid‑fire devices. "This bill helps ensure that Colorado's gun safety laws are not undermined by the growing technology threat," Wallace said. "I ask for an aye vote on House Bill 11 44."

Why it matters: Sponsors and multiple witnesses said untraceable, home‑manufactured firearms pose growing public‑safety risks because they lack serial numbers and can bypass background checks. Allison Shee, senior counsel at Everytown, told the committee the bill would also prohibit transferring digital design files used to print firearms to unlicensed individuals so law enforcement can hold bad actors accountable. "Only licensed manufacturers can 3‑D print firearms and firearm components," Shee said.

What proponents said: Survivors and relatives recounted shootings where ghost‑gun components were recovered and urged lawmakers to close statutory gaps. Pat Rodschaffer, who identified herself as a survivor’s family member, described how easy she believes it is for children to access 3‑D printers and asked members to "make Colorado safer." Students from East High School, including Nora Krause and Elise Mueller, said a 2023 incident at their school involved a printed frame and argued the bill would prevent similar harms.

Opposition and legal concerns: Opponents including Daniel Finlayson, director of operations at the Colorado State Shooting Association, and Kachen Valentinis of Rocky Mountain Gun Owners said the bill would not stop mass shootings and could impose burdens on lawful owners. Finlayson argued some technical items in the bill (he cited "rapid fire clips") do not exist and said the measure raises constitutional and interstate‑commerce concerns that could be litigated if the law passes.

Committee exchange: Questions from senators focused on technical definitions, the scope of prohibited digital files, and whether recent federal and appellate decisions would permit state limits on distribution of functional code. Sponsors and proponents cited a Third Circuit ruling referenced in testimony as supportive that purely functional code may receive limited First Amendment protection; opponents said constitutional challenges were likely.

Outcome and next steps: Senator Wallace moved the bill to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation. The committee approved the motion 3–2 and the chair announced the bill will proceed to the Committee of the Whole. No amendments were offered during the hearing.

The hearing record shows repeated references to the state’s 2023 ghost‑gun law (cited in testimony as Senate Bill 23‑279) and to incidents in Colorado Springs (Club Q) and East High School that proponents said involved ghost‑gun components. The committee did not take final floor action; the Committee of the Whole will next consider the measure.