HB 399 (pending); HB 125 (active law)
The printer-hardware bill is still in committee. An older law already stands.
Last reviewed 2026-08-29
Two things are going on in Delaware. House Bill 125, passed during the 151st General Assembly, is active law in the Delaware Code at 11 Del. C. section 1463. House Bill 399, which would place mandates on 3D printer hardware itself, was introduced on June 11, 2026 and has not moved out of committee.
HB 399 would require every 3D printer sold or delivered in Delaware to ship with built-in blocking technology: a blueprint-detection algorithm checking CAD and STL files against a banned-file library maintained by the state, refusing any job matching a firearm or auto-sear. Manufacturers would have to file sworn attestations with the Attorney General before shipping into the state. A working group would first study whether that is technically feasible at all.
HB 399 did not pass during the 2026 regular session and remains in the House Judiciary Committee. The 153rd General Assembly is currently in recess and may be recalled before final adjournment. If HB 399 is not enacted before the 153rd General Assembly ends, it would need to be reintroduced in the next General Assembly.
HB 125 (active law): felony for an unlicensed person to use a 3D printer or similar equipment to manufacture a firearm, receiver, frame or major component.
HB 125 (active law): outlaws distributing digital instructions such as CAD files or G-code to unlicensed individuals where those files can program a printer to make a firearm or component.
HB 399 (pending): would require all 3D printers sold in Delaware to carry built-in blueprint-detection blocking technology.
HB 399 (pending): would require manufacturers to submit sworn compliance attestations to the Attorney General before selling into the state.
HB 399 (pending): includes a feasibility working group, with a six-month compliance window for manufacturers if blocking technology is found workable.
Delaware General Election
Question candidates on 3D printing regulations, hardware DRM, and open-source tech during town halls. Secure "No" commitments before legislators take office.
Bill Pre-filing Period
Contact sponsors and House leadership directly. Present technical data showing why blocking algorithms are unworkable, to discourage a re-filing.
154th General Assembly Convenes
Monitor the legislative roll to check if a replacement bill is assigned a new House Bill number.
Committee Referral Window
Primary window. Contact members of the House Judiciary Committee to urge against scheduling the bill for a committee vote.
Session 1 Adjournment Deadline
If held in committee past this date, the bill remains frozen until 2028.