Lawmakers in several states are imposing restrictions on 3D-printed firearms, sparking a Second Amendment fight over ghost guns. At least 16 states have now put 3D gun laws on the books, with seven states adding major legislation this year.

Constitutional Debate

Proponents for stricter gun laws argue that the rise of 3D-printed weapons increases the likelihood of adverse shootings in American communities. However, Second Amendment activists and gun rights advocates argue that the restrictions impinge on their constitutional right to bear arms.

In January, Maine’s legislature passed a bill requiring serial numbers on all firearms, including 3D-manufactured guns. The same month, former New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed Bill A4975, which requires state residents to own a firearms license to even possess instructions or blueprints to print a 3D firearm.

Colorado and Virginia also passed similar laws against weapons without serial numbers while a Washington state law restricted the ability for residents to possess the serial-free weapons. A Minnesota legislative package considering a wide slate of restrictions failed to pass the statehouse in March.

Lawsuits and Court Rulings

Several states with restrictions are facing constitutional lawsuits. In February, a three-judge panel on the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit dealt a blow to the constitutional argument, siding with the state of New Jersey in a case against Texas-based 3D-gun blueprint designer Defense Distributed.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.