Wow, terrible. Why would you ever start a manufacturing company in New York state with this sort of restriction?
OTOH, seems like there are a few angles where this could be found unconstitutional.
CNC banned? New York law just passed: 3D Printers & CNC machines now require built-in surveillance software to block you from making firearms parts.
A separate background-check bill remains pending in committee.
New York has passed first-in-the-nation regulations targeting 3D printers (and, per multiple analyses of the bill language, CNC machines) sold in the state.
This includes mandatory “blocking technology” (often described as surveillance or censorware-style software) and face-to-face sales requirements that effectively end easy online purchases and shipping.
What Was Just Passed (FY 2027 Budget – Signed ~May 27, 2026)
Governor Kathy Hochul signed the provisions as part of the enacted FY 2027 state budget
(Public Protection and General Government bill, originating in S.9005 /A.10005, Part C)
Key elements include:
• Mandatory blocking/surveillance technology on 3D printers sold in New York
• Every 3D printer must include (or be equipped with) technology/algorithms that scan design files and block attempts to print firearm components
---> examples: software will scan your program to determine if you are making receivers, frames, silencers/suppressors, or machine-gun conversion devices.
• The state will maintain or reference a library of prohibited “digital firearm manufacturing code.”
• A task force (led by the Division of Criminal Justice Services, with experts in manufacturing, AI, and security) will develop minimum safety standards and regulations.
• Broad application to CNC machines (and potentially subtractive manufacturing)
---> Detailed bill analyses (EFF, technical reporting, and maker-community reviews) confirm the language covers **CNC machines** and machines using subtractive manufacturing from digital files.
---> This goes beyond consumer 3D printers to industrial equipment. Official governor announcements emphasize 3D printers, but the enacted provisions are written more broadly.
• Face-to-face sales and delivery only: No online sales, no shipping to New York addresses.
---> All transactions must occur in person between buyer and seller. This directly bans convenient online purchases from major retailers or manufacturers.
• Criminal penalties for files and manufacturing.
• It is now a crime (Class E felony in some formulations) to possess, sell, or distribute digital files/blueprints intended for printing illegal firearms or components (with intent or knowledge elements).
• Implementation timeline: The law is effective upon signing for some criminal provisions, but the technical standards and blocking requirements will take time.
--> The task force has roughly a year for recommendations, followed by rulemaking.
--> Non-compliant sales could face liability once rules are in place. Manufacturers will likely need to create NY-specific compliant models (or stop selling/shipping there).