SB 6314
In CommitteeSenate
Firearm manufacturing
Concerning the regulation of firearm manufacturing.
This status may be delayed. See Action History below for the latest updates.
How does a bill become law?
- Introduced: The bill is filed and assigned a number.
- Committee: A subject-matter committee holds hearings, takes public testimony, and decides whether to advance the bill.
- Floor Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes on the bill.
- Opposite Chamber: The bill repeats the committee and floor vote process in the other chamber.
- Governor: The Governor reviews the bill and decides whether to sign or veto it.
- Signed: The bill has been signed into law.
AI Analysis
This bill strengthens Washington’s firearms laws to address the risks posed by digital manufacturing of firearms—especially those made with 3D printers or CNC machines—that are undetectable, untraceable, or made by unlicensed individuals. It bans the sale of certain manufacturing equipment, restricts access to digital blueprints, and tightens rules around unfinished firearm parts like 80% receivers.
- Adds new definitions for 'digital firearm manufacturing code', 'three-dimensional printer', 'untraceable firearm', and 'unfinished frame or receiver' to clarify regulatory scope.
- Prohibits manufacturing, assembling, possessing, transporting, or receiving untraceable firearms or unfinished frames/receivers unless done by licensed federal firearms manufacturers or law enforcement, or unless the part has a serial number.
- Makes it illegal to sell, transfer, or distribute digital manufacturing code (e.g., CAD files) for firearms or unfinished frames/receivers to unlicensed individuals, and creates a presumption that possession of such code with intent to distribute or use is unlawful.
- Bans the sale or transfer of 3D printers or CNC milling machines that are primarily marketed or intended for manufacturing firearms—except to licensed manufacturers, law enforcement, or government agencies.
- Increases penalties for aiding or facilitating the manufacture of undetectable or untraceable firearms by prohibited persons, with escalating penalties for repeat offenses.
- Clarifies that possession of digital manufacturing code for a firearm creates a rebuttable presumption of intent to unlawfully distribute or manufacture.
Who is affected
- Unlicensed individuals using digital manufacturing tools — Individuals who use 3D printers or CNC machines to make firearms or firearm parts at home without a federal license will now be subject to new criminal and civil penalties.
- Retailers and manufacturers of 3D/CNC equipment — Businesses that sell or advertise 3D printers or CNC machines primarily for making firearms will be prohibited from doing so, and may face criminal or civil penalties.
- Gun builders and hobbyists using unfinished parts — People who possess unfinished frames or receivers (like 80% lowers) without serial numbers, or who share digital files for making them, may face civil infractions, misdemeanors, or gross misdemeanors depending on circumstances.
- Law enforcement and federally licensed firearms businesses — Law enforcement agencies and licensed federal firearms manufacturers, importers, or dealers are exempted from certain prohibitions and may continue regulated activities.
- Prohibited persons attempting to obtain firearms — People who receive or possess untraceable or undetectable firearms—especially those who are otherwise prohibited from owning guns—may face new criminal charges.
Pro/Con Analysis
Stronger case for benefits
Potential Benefits (5)
Prohibits possession and manufacture of untraceable and undetectable firearms by unlicensed individuals, closing a known loophole that allows prohibited persons to bypass background checks and obtain weapons that evade detection at airports and crime scenes.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Sec. 4(1)(a), Sec. 6(2), Sec. 7(1)Bars distribution of digital firearm manufacturing codes to unlicensed persons, disrupting online networks that have enabled unregulated, untraceable firearm proliferation—especially to individuals barred from purchase due to criminal history or mental health prohibitions.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Sec. 5(1), Sec. 6(5), Sec. 7(3)Bans sale of 3D/CNC printers primarily marketed for firearm manufacturing, reducing availability of tools that have been used to produce weapons for mass shooters and gang members in other states and countries.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Sec. 8(1)Increases penalties for repeat or large-volume violations, targeting organized trafficking rings that exploit digital manufacturing to circumvent gun laws—though most enforcement will likely focus on individuals rather than networks.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Sec. 6(7)(b)-(d), Sec. 7(7)(b)-(d)Sunsets in 2027 and delays full implementation until 2027, allowing time for rulemaking, training, and stakeholder adaptation—reducing immediate strain on local law enforcement and courts during implementation.
Local GovernmentPeopleRef: Sec. 9 (sunset), Sec. 10 (delayed effective date)
Potential Concerns (5)
Criminalizes possession of unfinished frames/receivers (e.g., 80% lowers) unless serial-numbered by a licensed manufacturer—effectively banning a common, legal DIY hobby for most Washingtonians who cannot afford or access licensed serialization services, even though federal law currently permits unserialized private possession.
Rights & LibertiesPeopleRef: Sec. 7(1)(b), Sec. 7(2)(b), Sec. 7(5)Creates a rebuttable presumption of illegal intent based solely on possession of digital files (e.g., CAD files for 3D-printed firearms or 80% receivers), shifting the burden of proof to the individual and chilling constitutionally protected speech and lawful research.
Rights & LibertiesPeopleRef: Sec. 6(6), Sec. 7(4)Bans sale of 3D/CNC printers marketed or intended for firearm manufacturing—even if they are multi-purpose machines—effectively targeting small businesses and hobbyist retailers that may carry general-purpose machines with incidental firearm-related marketing, without clear, objective standards for enforcement.
Business & EmploymentPeopleRef: Sec. 8(1)Imposes $500 civil infractions for first-time violations—disproportionately burdensome for low-income individuals, especially where the underlying activity (e.g., possessing an 80% lower) was previously legal under federal law and widely practiced.
FinancialPeopleRef: Sec. 6(7)(a), Sec. 7(7)(a)May reduce access to untraceable/undetectable firearms, but enforcement will likely target low-level actors (e.g., hobbyists, non-violent individuals) rather than serious felons—who can still obtain firearms through illicit markets—limiting overall public safety impact.
Public SafetyLean peopleRef: Sec. 5(1), Sec. 6(1), Sec. 7(1)
Who Is Most Affected
Hobbyists and DIY gun builders who use 80% receivers or 3D printers to build firearms for personal use—most of whom are not felons but will now face civil infractions or criminal charges unless they obtain serial numbers through licensed manufacturers (a costly, time-consuming process).
Retailers of 3D printers and CNC machines that carry or advertise models capable of firearm production—even if they also sell general-purpose machines—face criminal liability under vague “primary or intended function” standards, risking business closure or reputational harm.
Law enforcement and federal licensees retain exemptions and may continue regulated activity, but will face new enforcement burdens (e.g., verifying serial numbers on unfinished parts, tracking digital code distribution), requiring additional training and resources.
Prohibited persons (felons, domestic violence misdemeanants, etc.) may find it harder to obtain untraceable firearms, but digital blueprints remain accessible online and enforcement may not significantly reduce overall access for this group.
The state and local governments may see short-term cost increases from prosecution and court processing, but fines could offset some costs; long-term public safety benefits are plausible but not yet empirically demonstrated.