Knife Rights’ Montana Switchblade Ban Repeal and Knife Law Preemption Bill, HB 155 sponsored by Rep. Casey Knudsen, has passed the Montana House by a nearly unanimous vote of 99 – 1.
This effort follows up on 2017’s repeal of the prohibition against concealed carry without a CCW of “a knife with blade 4 or more inches in length” as well as removing Dirks, Daggers, Sword Canes, razors, “billy” and “knuckles” from the items prohibited from concealed carry.
We would like to thank Montana activist Joe Paschal, Montana Knife Rights supporter E.J. Redding, and ACLU of Montana Director of Advocacy and Policy Director S.K. Rossi for their assistance in getting HB155 passed in the House. HB155 now moves to the Montana Senate for its consideration.
Knife Rights will let you know when it is appropriate to contact your senator to ask them to vote YES on HB155.
Preemption prevents enforcement of existing local knife ordinances and prohibits new ordinances more restrictive than state law which only serve to confuse or entrap law-abiding citizens traveling within or through the state. Preemption ensures citizens can expect consistent enforcement of state knife laws everywhere in a state.
Knife Rights signature Knife Law Preemption effort started with enactment of the nation’s first Knife Law Preemption bill in Arizona in 2010. In total, ten states have now enacted Knife Rights’ Knife Law Preemption bills.