California legislators want to put government-approved surveillance software in every 3D printer sold in the state.
The committee vote is March 20. We can stop it.
What this bill does
AB 2047 would require every 3D printer sold in California to include state-certified "firearm blocking" software approved by the Department of Justice. Manufacturers must register every make and model. If your printer isn't on the approved list by 2029, it can't be sold in California.It also criminalizes modifying or bypassing the required firmware — meaning the open-source development that powers the maker community could become illegal.
This isn't about guns. It's about who controls your tools.
The technology doesn't work. Shape-recognition AI cannot reliably tell a gun part from a bracket, a spring, or a medical device. The bill would burden every legitimate user while doing nothing to stop bad actors.
What it would do is hand a small group of certified vendors control over an entire category of general-purpose technology — and set a precedent that could extend to CNC machines, laser cutters, and beyond.
Hobbyists and makers. Engineers and product designers. Teachers and students. Small businesses. Medical device prototypers. Artists and prop makers. Anyone who believes you should be able to modify hardware you own.
Take Action
"Hi, I'm a constituent calling to oppose AB 2047. This bill would require government-approved software on general-purpose 3D printers and criminalize open-source firmware modification. I'm asking you to vote no. Thank you."
Subject: Please vote NO on AB 2047
I'm writing to oppose AB 2047. Requiring DOJ-certified software on every 3D printer sold in California would harm educators, engineers, small businesses, and the open-source maker community — while doing nothing meaningful to address the problem it claims to solve. The technology doesn't work, and the precedent it sets is dangerous. Please vote no.