Governor Kathy Hochul announced on March 24 that her proposed legislation to strengthen New York’s gun laws is receiving growing support from district attorneys, county sheriffs, and local police chiefs. The legislation, introduced as part of her 2026 State of the State agenda, aims to address the rising threat of do-it-yourself (DIY) machine guns and 3D-printed firearms.
The proposed measures seek to require that all guns sold in New York are designed so they cannot be easily modified into illegal machine guns. They also establish criminal penalties for manufacturing or distributing digital codes used to produce 3D-printed firearms. Additionally, a working group would develop minimum safety standards for manufacturers of 3D printers to prevent their use in making firearms or components. Police departments and sheriffs’ offices would be required to report recoveries of all 3D-printed guns.
“When I became Governor, I promised to do whatever it took to confront the gun violence epidemic head on. By investing over $3 billion in public safety, doubling funding to combat gun violence, and strengthening our State’s gun laws, we’ve successfully taken on the iron pipeline in New York,” Hochul said. “Now, we’re going after the plastic pipeline. To address the rapidly growing threat of DIY machine guns and 3D-printed ghost guns, I am working to ensure our laws remain the strongest and safest in the nation.”
Law enforcement leaders expressed support for these proposals. New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said: “These proposals give law enforcement the tools needed to address the growing danger posed by 3D-printed and illegally modified firearms.” Albany County District Attorney Lee C. Kindlon added: “Governor Hochul’s proposal attacks this issue at the source: requiring that pistols sold in New York be designed so they cannot easily be converted and criminalizing the digital blueprints used to manufacture these weapons and components.”
District attorneys from Erie County, Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island as well as officials from Ulster County Sheriff’s Office and Dutchess County voiced similar sentiments about how technology has changed threats facing communities across New York State.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said: “Brooklyn has reached record lows in shootings and homicides through focused enforcement and strong gun laws but untraceable 3D-printed guns and illegal conversion devices imperil our progress.” Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr., Utica Police Chief Mark Williams, Albany Mayor Dr. Dorcey Applyrs among others also spoke out about ongoing efforts needed against illegal firearms.
Supporters say these new policies will help close loopholes exploited by criminals using emerging technologies while maintaining respect for lawful gun ownership.