The debate over 3D gun printing has increased as state legislatures are ruling in on the issue. The problems stem from the fact that the plastic weapons will be untraceable and can cause problems when stolen weapons are used in crimes with no way to find the owner.

A federal judge in Seattle has listened to the case involving a Texas company that posts photos online of plans to print 3D guns. This judge stated that this issue should be decided upon by the president or Congress, not individual states.

19 states have sued the federal government including Washington, due to the fact that they did not notify Congress or the Department of Defense of their settlement that they reached with the printing company, Defense Distributed, about the changes made on an act that previously prohibited 3D gun plans from being posted online.

Washington state Assistant Attorney General argued that the current posting of these plans is allowed and threatens public safety. The government decision should therefore be reversed.

Another problem, besides the traceability, is that these guns will be made of plastic and therefore cannot be detected in a metal detector that prevents guns from entering such areas as airports, courthouses, jails and schools which will threaten the overall safety of the public further. 

This begs the question of how will charges be brought about for possession of a firearm without a permit if the gun was printed or the unlawful discharge of an untraceable and undetectable firearm?