The Undetectable Firearms Act of 1988 makes it illegal to manufacture, import, sell, ship, deliver, possess, transfer or receive any firearm that is not detectable by walk-through metal detectors or airport x-ray machines. At the time this law was passed, concern was over the damage hijackers could do should they smuggle a ceramic weapon onboard an aircraft. However, with the advent of 3-dimensional, or “3D,” printing technology, nearly undetectable plastic weapons can be constructed at home. The absence of a serial number or sales record makes these home-made firearms virtually untraceable. Although not yet reliable, these guns could still pose a danger to air travel. 3D printing, involves the programming of a 3D printing machine with a computer file that provides the schematics for the item to be printed. Advocates say that 3D printing has the potential to render gun laws obsolete, not to mention gun manufacturers.

Pending Legislation: S.1819 - 3D Printed Gun Safety Act of 2023
Sponsor: Sen. Edward Markey (MA)
Status: Senate Committee on the Judiciary
Chair: Sen. Dick Durban (IL)