House Bill 545 would create a new criminal offense in North Carolina for manufacturing, selling, giving away, transferring, using, or possessing a “ghost gun” or an “undetectable firearm.” The bill defines a ghost gun as a firearm, including a frame or receiver, that lacks a unique serial number required under federal law, with exceptions for permanently inoperable firearms and firearms not required to have serial numbers under the federal Gun Control Act. It defines an undetectable firearm to include firearms that are not detectable by common metal detectors, do not produce an accurate image on security screening equipment, or are made wholly of plastic, fiberglass, or by 3D printing.
The bill also creates a narrow exception for federally licensed firearm manufacturers holding a Type 07 Federal Firearms License, as allowed under ATF regulations. Violations would be punished as a Class I felony. The act would take effect December 1, 2025, and would apply only to offenses committed on or after that date.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would add a new section to Article 52A of Chapter 14 of the North Carolina General Statutes and expand state criminal law to specifically prohibit possession and transfer of unserialized firearms and firearms designed to evade detection. It would affect gun owners, sellers, manufacturers, and anyone handling privately made firearms or 3D-printed firearms, while preserving a limited exemption for certain federally licensed manufacturers. The bill would also align state law more closely with federal concerns about traceability and airport-style screening detection, and it would make violations a felony offense under state law.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and available context, the overall sentiment appears supportive of restricting ghost guns and undetectable firearms, as reflected in the bill’s title and sponsorship by multiple House members. There is no committee transcript or recorded vote information provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate, amendments, or opposition in the available materials. The framing of the bill suggests a public-safety rationale focused on traceability and detectability of firearms.
Contention
The main points of potential contention are likely to be the scope of the prohibition and the inclusion of possession, not just manufacture or sale. The bill reaches a broad range of conduct and covers firearms made through 3D printing or from nonmetal materials, which may raise concerns among gun-rights advocates, hobbyists, and manufacturers about overbreadth or impacts on lawful firearm construction. Another likely issue is the felony penalty and whether the exception for federally licensed Type 07 manufacturers is too narrow or too broad. No specific objections or supporters are documented in the provided discussion materials.
Sale and possession of ghost guns prohibited, 3D printing of guns limited to federally licensed firearms manufacturers, distribution of 3D printer firearm design files prohibited, firearm serial numbers required, public notice required, and limits on assembling firearms without license provided.