New York plans to crack down on 3D-printed “ghost guns” and other illegal firearms under a new package of proposals from Gov. Kathy Hochul.
The measures, part of her 2026 State of the State agenda, aim to stop the fastest-growing gun safety threat as technology makes illegal weapons easier to build and harder to trace.
State officials say the proposals build on New York’s already strict gun laws and follow a year when shootings statewide fell to their lowest levels on record.
What the proposals would do
The plan would make it a crime to sell, distribute, or possess digital instructions used to illegally manufacture firearms or gun parts without a license.
It would also require police departments and sheriffs’ offices to report all recovered 3D-printed guns to a state database maintained by the New York State Police.
Another proposal would set minimum safety standards for 3D printer manufacturers. The standards would require technology that blocks printers from producing firearms and firearm components.
Targeting illegal gun modifications
The package also takes aim at pistols that can be quickly converted into illegal machine guns.
Under the proposal, gun manufacturers would have to design pistols so they cannot be easily modified using illegal devices such as Glock switches.
State officials say those devices allow rapid-fire capability and pose serious risks to the public and law enforcement.
Governor frames public safety push
“Public safety is my top priority,” Hochul said. “As gun technology continues to evolve, so do our strongest-in-the-nation gun laws.”
She said the proposals focus on keeping illegal ghost guns off New York streets and improving the ability to track and block dangerous weapons.
Law enforcement, advocates back plan
District attorneys, state police leaders, and gun violence prevention advocates voiced support for the proposals.
They said 3D-printed guns are already being made in homes and used in crimes, creating challenges for investigators and prosecutors.
Supporters argue the measures close loopholes, hold manufacturers accountable, and give law enforcement better tools to prevent gun violence.
Part of broader prevention effort
Since taking office, Hochul’s administration says it has invested more than $1 billion in gun violence prevention programs.
Those include funding for targeted policing initiatives, community-based outreach, youth programs, and law enforcement technology grants.
State officials say the new proposals continue that approach by pairing prevention with stricter oversight of emerging gun technology.
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