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Bill

S 3894

Relates to funds of the state

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Parker

Makes possession of digital files that enable 3D-printed firearms a crime if the possessor intends to manufacture firearm parts or guns.

REFERRED TO CORPORATIONS, AUTHORITIES AND COMMISSIONS
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Bill Summary · S 3894

Summary — S 3894 (2024-2025)

Main purpose

S 3894 creates a criminal offense for knowingly possessing digital instructions that can be used to program a three‑dimensional (3D) printer with the intent to manufacture or produce a firearm, firearm receiver, magazine, or firearm component. The measure is intended to address the spread and use of digital files that enable 3D‑printed firearms and components.

Key provisions

  • Establishes a new crime prohibiting a person from knowingly possessing "firearm digital instructions" when the person has the intent to manufacture or produce:
    • a firearm,
    • a firearm receiver,
    • a magazine, or
    • a firearm component using a 3D printer.
  • Exempts persons who are licensed or registered to manufacture firearms (i.e., the prohibition applies to unlicensed/unregistered individuals).
  • Specifies the offense as a crime of the fourth degree (as amended by the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee). Penalty: up to 18 months imprisonment, a fine up to $10,000, or both.
  • Committee amendments:
    • Added an intent requirement (possession must be with intent to manufacture/produce). The introduced version lacked an explicit intent element.
    • Reduced the penalty classification from a third‑degree crime in the introduced version to a fourth‑degree crime.

Relationship to existing law

  • Current New Jersey law already criminalizes using digital instructions to illegally manufacture a firearm with a 3D printer. This bill extends criminal liability upstream to possession of such digital instructions when accompanied by intent to manufacture.
  • The bill amends provisions in N.J.S.2C:39‑1 and N.J.S.2C:39‑3 (state firearms statute).

Who would be affected

  • Individuals who possess CAD/STL/blueprint files or other digital files ("digital instructions") capable of programming 3D printers to produce firearms or parts, where prosecutors can establish knowing possession with intent to manufacture.
  • Licensed/registered firearm manufacturers are excluded from the prohibition.
  • Potentially impacts hobbyists, makers, file authors/distributors, online platforms that host such files, and law enforcement/prosecutors responsible for proving intent.

Legislative status & timeline

  • Introduced: December 5, 2024 (Senate).
  • Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (Dec 5, 2024).
  • Referred to Corporations, Authorities and Commissions (Jan 30, 2025).
  • Reported out of Senate Law and Public Safety Committee with amendments; 2nd Reading (June 19, 2025).
  • Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee (June 19, 2025).
  • As amended, identical to Assembly companion A4975 (2R).

Sponsor and related measures

  • Primary sponsor: Sen. Kevin S. Parker.
  • Companion: A4975 (Assembly).
  • Related/prior‑session bills: S2453, S2780, S2850, S8507, S2265, S4262, S4425, S5157.

Notes / considerations

  • The bill pivots enforcement focus from actual 3D printing to possession of enabling digital files, but requires proof of intent to manufacture — a potentially significant evidentiary element.
  • Implementation and enforcement could raise practical and legal questions about how "digital instructions" are defined, how intent is proved, and interactions with digital speech and online hosting platforms.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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