Bill
HB 399
HB 399 would require 3D printers sold in Delaware to include blocking technology to prevent printing firearms or parts, with a DOJ study on feasibility and a six-month rollout afte
Sponsor: Representative Griffith (co-sponsors listed)
Title: An Act to amend Title 6 of the Delaware Code relating to 3-dimensional printers and firearms
Status: Introduced and assigned to the Judiciary Committee (House) on June 11, 2026
Fiscal note: Prepared by the Office of the Controller General
HB 399 aims to regulate the sale and delivery of 3-dimensional (3D) printers in Delaware in order to prevent the printing of firearms or firearm parts. The bill introduces mandatory blocking technology on 3D printers sold in the state and directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to study the feasibility and practicality of requiring such blocking technology statewide.
Restriction on sales/delivery: The bill prohibits the sale or delivery of 3D printers in Delaware unless the printer is equipped with blocking technology designed to prevent the printing of firearms or illegal firearm parts.
Effective dates:
DOJ working group: The Department of Justice must convene a working group to evaluate:
Recommendations and timeline: The working group is charged with making recommendations and evaluating feasibility; results will inform implementation and resource needs.
Enforcement and penalties: While the bill text references prohibitions and associated enforcement provisions and penalties, the fiscal note indicates specific enforcement details are part of the act but not enumerated in the summary. (Enforcement provisions would be established in the bill and related regulations.)
Fiscal considerations: The exact costs to implement and enforce the bill are not determinable at this time. Resources required depend on the working group’s recommendations and regulatory decisions, with potential fiscal impact not expected before FY 2028.
3D printer retailers and sellers: Will be required to ensure sold printers include blocking technology or otherwise comply with the prohibition.
Consumers in Delaware: May be restricted from purchasing 3D printers that are not equipped with blocking technology.
Department of Justice (DOJ): Responsible for regulating, overseeing, and coordinating the working group, as well as implementing any blocking technology requirements and related enforcement.
Manufacturers and technology developers: Potentially affected by mandated blocking technology standards and any resulting regulatory requirements or compliance costs.
Immediate effect: The act’s general provisions become effective immediately upon gubernatorial signature.
Regulatory development period: Six months after the DOJ issues notice of regulations, the prohibition requiring blocking technology would take effect.
Working group timeline: The act requires the DOJ to convene a working group to study feasibility and make recommendations, though specific deadlines for reporting are not provided in the summary.
Fiscal impact timeline: Based on the fiscal note, any real fiscal impact is not anticipated before FY 2028 due to the need for regulatory adoption and study results.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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