HARRISBURG, PA — State Representative Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester, is taking aim at one of the fastest-growing threats to public safety with her newly proposed legislation to regulate 3D-printed firearms. These “ghost guns,” named for their lack of traceable serial numbers, have surged in use across Pennsylvania, presenting a unique challenge for law enforcement and raising urgent questions about gun control in a tech-driven era.
The rise of 3D-printed firearms is more than a technological novelty—it’s a public safety crisis. Unlike traditional firearms, these weapons can be produced at home with inexpensive technology, remaining undetectable by standard security systems and untraceable when used in crimes. According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), reports of ghost guns have skyrocketed by 1,000% nationwide from 2018 to 2021. Here in Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania State Police seized twice as many ghost guns in 2023 as in the previous year, reflecting a troubling trend that lawmakers are struggling to address.
Shusterman’s bill seeks to close a critical loophole by treating 3D-printed guns as standard firearms under Pennsylvania law. The legislation also requires that anyone attempting to manufacture these weapons obtain a proper federal gun manufacturing license. The aim is simple yet significant—give law enforcement a fighting chance against the unchecked proliferation of these untraceable weapons.
“3D-printed guns shoot like a gun and they can kill like a gun,” Shusterman asserted. “It’s common sense we should regulate them like guns. My legislation will give law enforcement one of the tools they need to protect themselves, and our communities, from gun violence.”
Shusterman’s proposal goes beyond addressing a local issue—it represents a legislative effort to tackle the intersection of technological innovation and public safety. While 3D printing has revolutionized industries from healthcare to manufacturing, its dark side has enabled the creation of deadly weapons that bypass standard gun laws. With no serial numbers, these firearms are virtually impossible to track, leaving law enforcement scrambling to piece together their possible origins when crimes occur.
The urgency of this issue is compounded by the inaction on related initiatives. State Representative Morgan Cephas, D-Philadelphia, introduced H.B. 777 earlier this year—a bill banning the sale of ghost gun parts and assembly kits. While it passed the House with bipartisan support, it stalled in the Senate Judiciary Committee, expiring without further action. This legislative deadlock highlights the steep climb Shusterman’s bill may face.
“We are losing the battle every day we don’t have regulations on the 3D printing of firearms,” Cephas warned. She pointed out that these weapons are not only untraceable but are also capable of evading detection by standard security measures. Cephas reaffirmed her support for Shusterman, calling for the state to act decisively on this growing threat.
Why This Matters
At its core, the debate over regulating 3D-printed firearms is about the balance between personal freedom and public safety in an age of rapidly evolving technology. Unregulated, these weapons represent a glaring gap in Pennsylvania’s gun laws. Without serial numbers, tracking criminals becomes exponentially harder. Without regulation, anyone with a 3D printer can bypass traditional background checks and acquire a firearm.
If left unchecked, the proliferation of ghost guns could have staggering implications. Public spaces may grow increasingly vulnerable as undetectable weapons become more accessible. Law enforcement could face greater risks, operating in an environment where unregistered weapons are easy to produce and nearly impossible to trace.
While certain groups may resist efforts to regulate 3D-printed firearms on the grounds of protecting Second Amendment rights, proponents argue that oversight is a necessity, not an infringement. For Shusterman and her allies, this is a battle about ensuring the safety of communities, protecting law enforcement, and staying ahead of the dangerous marriage between technology and firearms.
Shusterman’s legislation, if passed, could be a turning point in Pennsylvania’s fight against gun violence. It signals a recognition that emerging technologies require forward-thinking policies. The stakes could not be higher, as every day without action is a missed opportunity to prevent these untraceable guns from landing in the wrong hands.
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