On Tues., Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson signed House Bill 2320 into law, strengthening the state’s restrictions on so-called “ghost guns” and targeting the growing use of untraceable, 3D-printed firearms.
The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Osman Salahuddin of the 48th Legislative District, expands existing gun safety laws by regulating both the manufacturing process and the digital blueprints used to produce firearms outside traditional legal channels. Lawmakers say the measure reflects growing concern over how quickly technology has outpaced existing regulations.
Ghost guns are unserialized firearms that can be assembled at home without background checks, making them difficult for law enforcement to trace. Advances in 3D printing technology and the widespread availability of digital design files have accelerated their production, raising concerns about access among minors and other prohibited individuals.
The law updates Washington’s approach to these emerging threats by addressing both the tools and instructions used to produce untraceable weapons. It prohibits the unlawful manufacturing of firearms, frames and receivers using 3D printers or CNC milling machines, and restricts the distribution of digital gun-making code while preserving lawful activity by federally licensed manufacturers.
“Our laws must keep pace with technology,” Salahuddin said. “No child or prohibited person should be able to bypass a background check with a downloaded file and a printer. This bill protects communities while respecting responsible, legal gun ownership.”
The measure builds on Washington’s existing gun laws by extending regulations to emerging technologies that have historically fallen outside traditional enforcement tools. Supporters say closing those gaps will help law enforcement better track firearms recovered at crime scenes and prevent illegal weapons from circulating undetected.
By bringing these weapons under the same regulatory framework as traditionally manufactured firearms, the law aims to ensure investigators are no longer left at a “dead end” when untraceable weapons are recovered.
“3D-printed guns are just as scary as they sound: untraceable weapons that allow criminals to thwart law enforcement and make a firearm with the push of a button,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety. “With this new law, Washington is leading the nation in the fight against this emerging threat, and taking common-sense measures to prevent people from using 3D printers as a way to avoid a background check.”
“Untraceable guns don’t just bypass laws, they cost lives,” said Ju Namkung, a volunteer with the Washington chapter of Moms Demand Action. “We’re deeply grateful to Governor Ferguson for signing this bill and to Representative Salahuddin and the lawmakers who worked tirelessly to get it across the finish line. This law will undoubtedly make our communities safer and we’re proud to live in a state that is putting public safety first.”
“Young people across Washington have grown up practicing lockdown drills and living with the reality of gun violence, all while watching technology make it easier to access dangerous weapons,” said Halle Norenburg, a volunteer with University of Washington Students Demand Action. “By signing HB 2320, Washington leaders are showing that they hear us, and that they’re willing to act to protect our future.”
Supporters of the legislation, including volunteers with Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, along with gun violence survivors, played a key role in advancing the bill. Advocates testified at hearings, met with lawmakers and pushed for stronger regulations to address the rise of untraceable firearms.
The law also places restrictions on the distribution of digital files used to manufacture firearms, targeting the instructions that make at-home gun production possible and further aligning digital tools with existing firearm regulations.
