As part of her 2026 State of the State agenda, Governor Kathy Hochul has introduced new proposals aimed at tightening New York’s gun laws, with a focus on addressing 3D-printed and illegal firearms. The proposed legislation would make it a crime to intentionally sell, distribute, or possess digital instructions for manufacturing firearms without a license. It would also require reporting recoveries of 3D-printed guns to the Criminal Gun Clearinghouse database maintained by the New York State Police.
The legislation seeks to establish minimum safety standards for 3D printer manufacturers, ensuring that printers are equipped with technology to prevent the creation of firearms and their components. Additionally, gun manufacturers would be required to design pistols that cannot be easily modified into illegal machine guns using devices such as Glock switches.
Governor Hochul stated, “Public safety is my top priority. When I took office, I made a promise to New Yorkers to attack the gun violence epidemic head-on, and as gun technology continues to evolve, so do our strongest-in-the-nation gun laws. From the iron pipeline to the plastic pipeline, these proposals will keep illegal ghost guns off of New York streets, and enhance measures to track and block the production of dangerous and illegal firearms in our state. I remain committed to continuing the progress we saw in 2025 to reduce gun violence in New York and ensuring our laws remain the strongest and safest in the nation.”
State data indicates that shootings across New York declined sharply in recent years. In 2025, statewide shootings reached record lows—a drop of 60 percent compared with when Governor Hochul took office in 2021.
New York County District Attorney Alvin Bragg said, “Homicides and shootings continue to decline across Manhattan because of our comprehensive approach to gun violence rooted in precision prosecution and prevention alongside the NYPD and crucial investments in public safety from the Governor. Yet as technology evolves, so does the widening threat of 3D-printed firearms, which requires decisive action. These illegal firearms are being manufactured in homes and used in crimes right now, which is why I have been working with my colleagues in Albany and the private sector over the past several years to stop their proliferation. Passing these measures will reduce crime and strengthen public safety for all New Yorkers, and I thank Governor Hochul for her continued leadership and collaboration.”
Richmond County District Attorney Michael E. McMahon commented on loopholes that have allowed ghost guns onto streets: “The proliferation of ghost guns and rapid-fire modification devices on our streets pose a clear and present danger to our neighbors, loved ones, and law enforcement officers… The legislation outlined in Governor Hochul’s proposal would undoubtedly lead to more effective investigations, stronger prosecutions in the courtroom, and safer communities for all New Yorkers… While Staten Island was proud to witness record lows in violent crime… more must be done…”
Superintendent Steven G. James of the New York State Police added support: “As technology evolves, so do the threats we face. These proposals give law enforcement the tools we need… while strengthening our ability to track, investigate, and prevent gun violence.”
Angela Ferrell-Zabala from Moms Demand Action praised efforts requiring industry accountability: “New York has always led… Prevention means stopping violence before it happens… Governor Hochul’s proposal … addresses both [prevention & accountability],” she said.
Several legislators voiced support for closing loopholes around untraceable weapons:
State Senator Zellnor Myrie: “Communities like mine are facing a gun violence crisis…. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for leading this fight…”
State Senator Cordell Cleare: “…I commend the Governor’s exacting focus on this issue…. I support [these] initiatives…”
State Senator Patricia Fahy described ghost guns as “dangerous” and said banning their production via 3D printers is vital.
Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal referenced previous legislative actions against ghost guns: “…my legislation banning sale/possession became law …I am proud that Governor Hochul will be including other legislation I sponsor…”
Other Assemblymembers—including John T. McDonald III (RPh), Gabriella A. Romero (109th District), Michaelle C. Solages (on machine guns), Monique Chandler-Waterman (Co-Chair NYS BPHA Subcommittee)—and Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal also expressed strong backing.
Governor Hochul’s administration has invested heavily—$1.27 billion since she took office—in programs targeting gun violence prevention statewide through funding initiatives like GIVE ($36 million), SNUG Street Outreach ($20.7 million), Project RISE ($20 million), Youth Employment Program ($40.6 million), plus $127 million allocated toward law enforcement technology upgrades.
Accordingly,communities participatingin anti-gun violence programs reported significant drops; during January–November last year there were only 477 shooting incidents involving injury—a decrease by 60 percent compared with similar periods since tracking began.
The new legislative package aims not only at updating laws but also at supporting ongoing reductions in firearm-related deaths throughout New York.
