Colorado lawmakers are advancing new gun control legislation targeting untraceable 3D-printed "ghost" guns as part of a broader firearms regulation agenda in the 2026 legislative session. State Democrats have introduced multiple bills addressing everything from firearm barrels to 3D-printed guns and firearm dealers, according to recent reporting from the state legislature.
The focus on 3D-printed firearms reflects growing national concerns about untraceable weapons entering communities. Gun safety advocates have warned of a surge in untraceable 3D-printed weapons in the United States, as police departments around the country report an increasing number of these firearms turning up at crime scenes.
Colorado has continued expanding its gun regulation efforts in recent years. The new legislative proposals demonstrate the state's sustained commitment to addressing emerging firearm safety challenges, particularly regarding technologies that enable the production of weapons without traditional manufacturing oversight or serial numbers.
The proposed legislation comes amid ongoing national debates about how to regulate emerging firearm manufacturing technologies. The Colorado legislature in recent years has continued to pursue regulations on firearms, building on previous legislative successes in gun safety measures.
Experts have raised concerns about the proliferation of 3D-printed guns. These untraceable weapons present unique challenges for law enforcement and public safety officials, as they lack traditional identifying markers and cannot be tracked through conventional firearm registration systems.
The Colorado measures reflect a trend among several states attempting to address the emergence of 3D-printed firearms technology. As manufacturing technology becomes more accessible, legislators are grappling with how to maintain public safety while navigating complex constitutional considerations around firearm regulation.