Colorado Bill Criminalizing Computer Code Sparks Constitutional Battle Over Gun Rights and Free Speech - Ammoland.com

Colorado lawmakers are pushing legislation that would criminalize possession of computer code used to manufacture firearms, triggering fierce backlash from Second Amendment advocates who warn the measure represents an unprecedented attack on both gun rights and free speech protections.

House Bill 26-1144, introduced by Democratic Reps. Lindsay Gilchrist and Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker alongside Democratic Sens. Tom Sullivan and Katie Wallace, passed the House Judiciary Committee on February 18, 2026, by a 7 to 4 party-line vote after hours of testimony. The measure now heads to the full House for consideration.

The legislation builds on Colorado’s existing 2023 ghost gun law by banning manufacturing firearms or firearm components using 3D printers, CNC milling machines, or “similar devices.” More controversially, it criminalizes possession of digital instructions like CAD files or code for programming these machines if authorities determine the person possesses them with “intent to manufacture” or “intent to distribute.”

Distributing such digital files to anyone in Colorado who is not a federally licensed firearms manufacturer would also become illegal. A first offense carries Class 1 misdemeanor charges with potential jail time, while a second or subsequent offense escalates to a Class 5 felony punishable by one to three years in prison, mandatory two-year parole, fines up to $100,000, and loss of firearm ownership rights. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, if signed into law.

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