S.B. No. 1711, introduced by Gutierrez, aims to prohibit the manufacture, sale, transfer, or possession of 3D-printed firearms in Texas. The bill defines a "3D-printed firearm" as any firearm or major component produced through a three-dimensional printing process, and it also defines "digital firearm schematic" as any digital file designed for producing a firearm using 3D printing technology. Under the new provisions, individuals are also prohibited from distributing or making available digital firearm schematics with the intent to facilitate the production of firearms using 3D printing. Violations of these prohibitions would result in a felony of the third degree for manufacturing or possessing a 3D-printed firearm, and a Class A misdemeanor for distributing digital schematics.

The bill includes specific exemptions for state or federal law enforcement agencies acting within their official duties, licensed firearms manufacturers complying with federal and state laws, and research institutions conducting approved studies on 3D-printing technology. Additionally, the bill clarifies that it applies only to offenses committed on or after its effective date, ensuring that any offenses occurring prior to that date will be governed by the previous law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 46.132 (Penal Code 46)