Louisiana SB 194, that includes Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption language and that was previously passed by the Senate, has passed out of the House Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice by a vote of 8 – 4.
Knife Rights Director of Legislative Affairs, Todd Rathner, was in Baton Rouge to lobby and testified in support of SB 194. Our good friend Dan Zelenka, President of the Louisiana Shooters Association,
Louisiana SB 194, that includes Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption language, has passed out of the Senate by a vote of 28-11. It now moves to the House.
Knife Law Preemption is a Knife Rights’ criminal justice reform effort that repeals and prevents local 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 within a state.
In West Virginia, where we helped to get knives added to the state’s existing preemption law for firearms in 2020, Governor Jim Justice signed HB 4782 expanding preemption to prevent municipalities from targeting protected businesses with planning and zoning ordinances more restrictive than those placed upon other businesses. It becomes effective on May 30, 2024.
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.
In a victory nine years in the making, Governor Brad Little yesterday signed H0620, Knife Rights’ bill that will enact Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption in Idaho. It becomes effective on July 1st, 2024. Thanks to Governor Little for his support of our freedoms.
This represents the fourteenth state in which we have eliminated local ordinances more restrictive than state law which only serve to confuse or entrap law-abiding citizens traveling within or through the state.
Louisiana SB 194, that includes Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption language, has passed out of the Senate Committee on Judiciary C by a vote of 5-1.
Knife Rights Director of Legislative Affairs, Todd Rathner, was in Baton Rouge to lobby and testified in support of SB 194. Our good friend Dan Zelenka, President of the Louisiana Shooters Association, also testified in support of the bill. Sponsor Senator Blake Miguez has worked hard to move this bill and we appreciate his resolve and efforts.
Knife Rights’ bill that would enact Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption in Idaho, H0620, was passed by the Senate with a vote of 27 – 7. The bill now heads to Governor Brad Little for his action.
Representative Jordan Redman’s efforts to introduce and pass H0620 are sincerely appreciated. Thanks also to Senator Carl Bjerke who so ably advocated on behalf of the bill on the Senate floor.
Knife Law Preemption is a Knife Rights’ criminal justice reform effort that repeals and prevents local ordinances more restrictive than state law which only serve to confuse or entrap law-abiding citizens traveling within or through the state.
Knife Rights’ bill that would enact Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption in Idaho, H0620, was voted out of the Senate State Affairs Committee with a unanimous bipartisan vote. The bill now moves to the Senate floor.
We sincerely appreciate Representative Jordan Redman’s continued efforts to get this bill passed with his testimony. He was joined in testifying in support of H0620 by Knife Rights Director of Legislative Affairs, Todd Rathner.
Knife Rights’ bill that would enact Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption in Idaho, H0620, was passed by a vote of 56 – 13 in the House. The bill now moves to the Senate.
We sincerely appreciate the efforts of our sponsor, Representative Jordan Redman, to get this done in the House. Knife Rights will let you know if we need you to contact your Idaho lawmakers to support H0620.
Louisiana State Senator Blake Miguez has filed SB 194 that includes Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption.
Knife Rights will let you know as soon as it is appropriate to contact your Louisiana lawmakers to support SB 194.
We sincerely appreciate our good friend Dan Zelenka, President of the Louisiana Shooters Association, for his relentless efforts in helping us pursue knife law reform in Louisiana. Knife Law Preemption would complete our reform efforts in the Pelican State.
Knife Rights’ bill that would enact Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption in Idaho, H0620, was voted out of the House State Affairs committee with a Do Pass recommendation. Todd Rathner, Knife Rights Director of Legislative Affairs, testified in Boise in support of the bill.
Sponsored by Representative Jordan Redman, Knife Rights would especially like to extend our thanks to Chairman Brent Crane for expeditiously hearing our bill.
Knife Law Preemption is a Knife Rights’ criminal justice reform effort that repeals and prevents local ordinances more restrictive than state law which only serve to confuse or entrap law-abiding citizens traveling within or through the state.
Idaho Representative Jordan Redman has introduced H0620, a bill that would enact Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption in the state.
Knife Law Preemption is a Knife Rights’ criminal justice reform effort that repeals and prevents local 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 within a state.
Mississippi Senator Joseph “Mike” Seymour has introduced SB 2269, a bill that would enact Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption in the state. Co-sponsors are Senators Kevin Blackwell and Charles Younger.
Knife Law Preemption is a Knife Rights’ criminal justice reform effort that repeals and prevents local 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 within a state.
Anti-Second Amendment forces are trying to repeal Preemption in Ohio. SB 78 is a dangerous bill that if passed would repeal the entirety of Ohio’s preemption law, including Knife Law Preemption which was just enacted last year after six years of Knife Rights’ efforts. The initial Sponsor’s Hearing on the bill was held today before the Senate Veterans and Public Safety Committee. No action was taken.
Repeal of knife law preemption would leave millions of knife owners living in and traveling through Ohio vulnerable to the whims of local county,
Mississippi Senator Joseph “Mike” Seymour has introduced SB 2383, a bill that would enact Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption in the state.
Knife Law Preemption is a Knife Rights’ criminal justice reform effort that repeals and prevents local 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 within a state.
(UPDATE 6/21 with Enactment Date) This morning Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Knife Rights’ Ohio Knife Law Preemption bill, SB 156, in a ceremony attended by Knife Rights Director of Legislative Affairs, Todd Rathner. This bill signing is the culmination of nearly seven years of our efforts in Columbus to eliminate all of Ohio’s terrible knife laws. Gov. DeWine told Todd “that he was happy to sign the bill because it’s good for business and good for Ohio.”
The Ohio House yesterday passed Knife Rights’ Ohio Knife Law Preemption bill SB 156. A clarifying technical amendment was made to the bill in committee, so it also required a concurrence vote by the Senate, which concurred late yesterday. SB156 is the culmination of six years of work in Ohio and it is now on its way to Governor Mike DeWine for action.
After testimony by Knife Rights Director of Legislative Affairs, Todd Rathner, Knife Rights’ Ohio Knife Law Preemption bill, SB 156, was reported favorably out of the House Government Oversight Committee at its third hearing by a vote of 8-4. This is the Senate version of the bill selected to move forward after identical versions were passed by both houses last year. A clarifying technical amendment was made to the bill in committee. Next step is a House vote.
Pennsylvania Senator Sharif Street has introduced SB 1013, Knife Rights’ bill to repeal the Keystone State’s ban on switchblade (automatic) knives and enact Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemptionn.
This is a complimentary bill to the previously filed HB 1929 in the House. Co-sponsors at filing are Senators Maria Collett and Wayne Fontana.
Knife Rights will let you know when it is time to contact your legislators to support SB 1013 and HB 1929.
By a vote of 55 to 36 the Ohio House passed Knife Rights’ Ohio Knife Law Preemption bill, HB 243. Passage came only hours after HB 243 passed out of the Government Oversight Committee by a vote of 8 to 4 after five hearings! The Senate previously passed their version of this bill, SB 156.
We’d like to congratulate HB 243 sponsor Rep. Al Cutrona on passage of this bill. We sincerely appreciate all the effort he’s put in getting the job done.
The Ohio Senate has passed Knife Rights’ Knife Law Preemption bill, SB 156, by a vote of 23-7. It now moves to the House where a companion bill, HB 243, is awaiting a vote by the House Government Oversight Committee, expected shortly.
SB 156 Sponsor Senator Kristina Roegner said, “Ohioans carrying knives, whether for work or self-defense, face a confusing and impossible to follow patchwork of local ordinances. Currently, what is legal to carry and possess in one town may be a serious crime to possess in another.
With the August legislature recesses over, Knife Rights efforts are picking up again. On Tuesday, at a hearing of the Ohio Senate Veterans and Public Safety Committee, a substitute version of SB 156, Knife Rights’ Ohio knife law preemption bill, was introduced.
The substitute version is the result of efforts by Prime Sponsor Senator Kristina Roegner’s office and our Director of Legislative Affairs, Todd Rathner, to address potential legal issues that were identified after the bill’s initial introduction.
Knife Rights’ Michigan Knife Rights Act, HB 4066, was passed today by the House with a bipartisan vote of 69-41. HB 4066 is Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law preemption bill. The bill will now move to the Senate.
We’d like to express our thanks to our bipartisan sponsors, Representatives Andrew Fink, John Reilly, Steve Johnson, Steve Carra, Joseph Bellino, Brad Paquette, John Damoose, Beau LaFave, Gregory Markkanen, Matthew Maddock, Luke Meerman,
The first hearing on Knife Rights’ Ohio Knife Law Preemption bill, HB 243, was held Thursday, June 17. The Government Oversight Committee sponsor’s hearing is the first of three hearings to be held on this bill. Sponsor Representative Al Cutrona introduced the bill and answered questions from committee members. Knife Rights Director of Legislative Affairs, Todd Rathner, had been in Ohio the week prior lobbying for this bill and its companion Senate bill,
At the SB 140 Enactment Celebration held at Rick Hinderer Knives on Tuesday, Ohio Senator Kristina Roegner, that bill’s sponsor, announced the filing of her Senate Knife Law Preemption bill, SB 156. This is a companion bill to HB 243, filed in the House by Representative Al Cutrona.
These bills follow on SB 140 because, unfortunately, without knife law preemption, numerous cities and towns in Ohio are still able to ban many knives that are perfectly legal under Ohio’s statutes.
Ohio Representative Al Cutrona has introduced HB 243 to enact Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption in Ohio. This bill follows on Gov. DeWine’s signing of Knife Rights’ Ohio Knife Law Reform bill, SB 140, earlier this year. Those reforms become law on April 12th. Unfortunately, without knife law preemption, numerous cities and towns in Ohio are still able to ban many knives that are perfectly legal under Ohio’s statutes.
Longtime Knife Rights friend Vermont Representative Patrick Brennan has filed H.254 to enact Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption in Vermont. The bill simply adds “knives” to the existing Vermont firearms preemption statute.
Knife Law Preemption repeals and prevents local 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.
The New Hampshire Second Amendment State Preemption Act, HB 307, has been introduced by Representatives Norman Silber, Michael Yakubovich, Barbara Comtois and Linda Gould. This bill adds teeth to the state’s existing preemption law for knives (as well as firearms and ammunition). HB 307 provides for significant penalties against those who violate the state’s preemption law in order deter infringement. We will let you know when it’s time to contact your legislators to help move this bill along.
Long time Knife Rights friend South Carolina Representative Brian White has introduced Knife Rights’ signature knife law preemption legislation. H.3551 adds “knives” to South Carolina’s existing firearms preemption law. In 2015 this legislation passed the House unanimously, but got bogged down in the Senate over issues unrelated to the bill. We will let you know when it’s time to contact your legislators to help move this bill along.
Preemption prevents a patchwork of local ordinances more restrictive than state law which only serve to confuse or entrap law-abiding citizens traveling within or through the state.
West Virginia SB 96 that expands the state’s firearms preemption statute to include “deadly weapons,” including knives, goes into effect Sunday, May 31st.
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.
Knife Rights passed the nation’s first Knife Law Preemption bill in Arizona in 2010 and with West Virginia,
West Virginia SB 96 that expands the state’s firearms preemption statute to include “deadly weapons,” including knives, was signed yesterday by Governor Jim Justice. We appreciate Gov. Justice’s support for removing these local barriers to law abiding citizens’ right to carry.
WARNING: The new law does not becomes effective until May 31, 2020.
Knife Rights appreciates the efforts of SB 96 sponsor Senator Charles Trump. We would like to thank the National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action and their lobbyist Art Thomm,
Knife Rights’ Michigan Knife Law Preemption bill, HB 5286, the “Michigan Knife Rights Act,” was passed by the House with a bipartisan vote of 71-36. It will now move to the Senate.
Thanks to all who used Knife Rights’ Legislative Action Center to email their legislators. We will let you know when it is time to again contact legislators on this bill.
Sponsor Rep. Steven Johnson said, “One of the things my constituents sent me to Lansing to do is to clear up confusion in government.
Knife Rights’ Michigan Knife Law Preemption bill, HB 5286, the “Michigan Knife Rights Act,” was passed out of the House Judiciary Committee with a bipartisan vote of 12-1. It will now be eligible for a vote by the full House.
If you are a Michigan resident, please use Knife Rights’ Legislative Action Center to ask House members to vote YES on HB 5286: https://kniferights.org/resources/congressweb/#/34
DO IT TODAY and help us push this bill forward!
Knife Rights’ Michigan Knife Law Preemption bill, HB 5286, the “Michigan Knife Rights Act,” was heard by the House Judiciary Committee today. Knife Rights’ Director of Legislative Affairs Todd Rathner testified in support of the bill. He was able to answer all the members’ questions.
The Democrat minority Vice-Chair, Rep. David LaGrand, related a story about a knife possession case he defended as an attorney and then stated, “this is a good bill.”
West Virginia SB 96 that would expand the state’s firearms preemption statute to include “deadly weapons,” including knives, was passed by the House 81-17. It now heads to Governor Jim Justice for his consideration.
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.
Knife Rights passed the nation’s first Knife Law Preemption bill in Arizona in 2010 and has since passed preemption bills in Alaska,
West Virginia SB 96 that would expand the state’s firearms preemption statute to include “deadly weapons,” including knives, was passed by the House Judiciary Committee with a minor amendment that does not affect the Knife Law Preemption aspect of the bill. It now awaits a floor vote of the full House. SB 96 was previously passed by the Senate 30-2.
We will let you know when it is time to contact House Members on this bill.
West Virginia SB 96 that would expand the state’s firearms preemption statute to include “deadly weapons,” including knives, was passed by the House Judiciary Committee with a minor amendment that does not affect the Knife Law Preemption aspect of the bill. It now awaits a floor vote of the full House. SB 96 was previously passed by the Senate 30-2.
We will let you know when it is time to contact House Members on this bill.
Knife Rights’ Michigan Knife Law Preemption bill, HB 5286, the “Michigan Knife Rights Act,” is scheduled for a hearing next Tuesday, March 3rd, at 9:00 AM in the House Judiciary Committee.
If you live, work or travel to Michigan please use Knife Rights’ Legislative Action Center to ask Committee Members to vote YES on HB 5286: https://kniferights.org/resources/congressweb/#/34
DO IT TODAY and help us push this bill forward!
West Virginia SB 96 that would expand the state’s firearms preemption statute to include “deadly weapons,” including knives, was passed by the Senate with an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 30-2. It has been sent to the House.
Thanks to everyone who use Knife Rights’ Legislative Action Center to email Senators in support of this bill.
We will let you know when it is time to contact the legislature on this bill.
West Virginia SB 96 that would expand the state’s firearms preemption statute to include “deadly weapons,” including knives, was passed out of the Judiciary Committee with an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 16-1. It now heads to the Senate floor for a vote.
Use Knife Rights’ Legislative Action Center to send Senators an email asking them to vote YES on SB 96: https://kniferights.org/resources/congressweb/#/33
Preemption prevents enforcement of existing local knife ordinances,
The West Virginia House companion bill that would enact Knife Law Preemption in the state, HB 4376, has been introduced by sponsor Delegate Chris Phillips with bipartisan co-sponsors Delegates Dean Jeffries, Amy Summers, Erikka Storch, Joe Jeffries, Larry Kump, Tom Fast, Randal Swartzmiller, Jason Barrett, Brent Boggs and Kayla Kessinger.
Like the Senate version, SB 96 that has passed out of its first committee hearing, HB 4376 would expand the state’s firearms preemption statute to include “deadly weapons,”
Knife Rights supported West Virginia SB 96 that would expand the state’s firearms preemption statute to include “deadly weapons,” including knives, was passed out of the Senate Government Organization Committee by a voice vote yesterday. It will now go to the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration.
Thanks to all who used Knife Rights’ Legislative Action Center to contact the committee members. We will let you know when it is time to contact the Judiciary Committee members.
We have just been notified that West Virginia SB 96 that would expand the state’s firearms preemption statute to include “deadly weapons,” including knives, is scheduled for a hearing TOMORROW, Thursday, Jan. 16.
Use Knife Rights’ Legislative Action Center to send the Senate Government Organization Committee members an email asking them to vote YES on SB 96: https://kniferights.org/resources/congressweb/#/33
Preemption prevents enforcement of existing local knife ordinances,
West Virginia Senator Charles Trump has introduced SB 96 that would expand the state’s firearms preemption statute to include “deadly weapons.” “Knives” are included in the definition of “deadly weapons.” Knife Rights is honored to be working with Sen. Trump and our friends at West Virginia Citizens Defense League to develop and promote this bill that would add West Virginia to the growing list of states with knife law preemption.
Preemption prevents enforcement of existing local knife ordinances,
Michigan State Representative Steven Johnson has once again introduced the Michigan Knife Rights Act, Knife Rights’ signature knife law preemption bill, HB 5286.
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.
We will let you know when it is time to contact your legislators in Michigan
In 2017 Knife Rights’
Knife Rights supported HB 446, repealing the Texas ban on carry of clubs* (including tomahawks) and possession of knuckles (including trench knives and the like), takes effect this Sunday, September 1.
NOTE: A Trench Knife, or similar, with a blade over 5.5-inches will be considered a Location Restricted Knife and is banned from carry at some specific locations.
Also taking effect Sunday is HB 3231 which strengthens the state’s preemption statute.
A Texas bill that strengthens the state’s preemption statute, HB 3231, has been signed by Governor Abbott. HB3231 enhances the state’s firearm and knife law preemption statute by adding a provision that prevents local governments from restricting firearms and knife sales through the use of zoning and other local ordinances.
It also further clarified and strengthened the statute by adding “possession, wearing, carrying” and “storage” of firearms and knives to the preemption statute.
Tuesday afternoon in Helena, Montana Governor Steve Bullock held a signing ceremony for Knife Rights’ Montana Switchblade Ban Repeal and Knife Law Preemption bill, HB 155.
Knife Rights Board member Ethan Becker attended representing Knife Rights. Ethan presented the Governor his first ever automatic knife, a specially inscribed Protech SBR, as an award in recognition of his signing of the bill.
We’d like to acknowledge our good friend Dave Wattenberg,
Montana Governor Steve Bullock has signed Knife Rights’ Montana Switchblade Ban Repeal and Knife Law Preemption bill, HB 155. It is effective IMMEDIATELY! We sincerely thank Governor Bullock for signing HB155.
With the repeal of the state’s prior restriction on switchblades, automatic knives are now completely legal in Montana. Montana is the 16th state to repeal its ban on switchblade (automatic) knives since Knife Rights started in 2010.
With Knife Law Preemption enacted,
The Montana Senate voted unanimously to pass Knife Rights’ Montana Switchblade Ban Repeal and Knife Law Preemption bill, HB 155. HB 155 was earlier passed by the House 99-1. It now goes to Governor Steve Bullock for his consideration.
Bill sponsor Rep. Casey Knudsen worked closely with Knife Rights’ Director of Legislative Affairs, Todd Rathner, on HB155, and deserves our gratitude for his significant efforts which resulted in the bill’s passage with but a single nay vote.
Longtime Knife Rights friend Vermont Representative Patrick Brennan has filed a Knife Law Preemption bill, H.49. The bill would simply add “knives” to the existing Vermont firearms preemption statute. Rep. Brennan along with Rep. Seth Chase have also introduced H.124, which would repeal Vermont’s ban on switchblade knives with a blade length 3 inches or more.
Switchblades with a blade 3 inches or more in length are the only knives outlawed in Vermont.
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”
At the request of Knife Rights, Montana State Representative Casey Knudsen has introduced HB 155 which would repeal the state’s switchblade ban and enact Knife Law Preemption.
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.
Knife Rights’ Vermont Knife Law Preemption bill, H 276, has been introduced by Rep. Patrick Brennan. The bill simply adds “knives” to the existing Vermont Firearms preemption statute.
Knife Law Preemption repeals and prevents local 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 is rewriting knife law in America™.
Knife Rights’ West Virginia Knife Law Preemption bill, HB 2209, sponsored by Delegate Rupert Phillips, has passed the House Political Subdivisions committee on a voice vote. HB 2209 now moves to the House Judiciary Committee for another hearing.
If you live, work or travel in West Virginia, please CALL or EMAIL the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Delegate John Scott at: (304) 340-3252 or john.shott@wvhouse.gov and politely request that he “Please schedule HB 2209 for a hearing as soon as possible.”
March 6, 2016: Governor Tomblin’s veto of the Knife Rights supported West Virginia Permitless (Constitutional) Carry bill, HB 4145, that was vetoed by the governor was overridden by the legislature this past weekend. According to guidance provided by West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, the new law is effective May 24, 2016. The new law allows West Virginians 21 years old and older, who are not prohibited persons, to carry a concealed “deadly weapon,” including knives, without a permit. That includes switchblades (automatics), balisongs and gravity knives.
However, knife carriers may still face local restrictions on their right to carry a knife. West Virginia’s existing preemption law protects firearms owners only.
WARNING: Persons 18 years old but less than 21 years old may obtain a license to carry a concealed handgun BUT that license DOES NOT include concealed carry of a knife or any other “dangerous weapon.” The penalties for anyone under 21 carrying a concealed knife illegally have been made far tougher. It is now a felony!
Anyone who is younger than 21 should be very careful to abide by West Virginia’s 3.5-inch concealed carry limit and the total prohibition on concealed carry of switchblades (automatics), balisongs and gravity knives.
Knife Rights will be working in West Virginia next year to try and fix this absurd change in the law that adversely impacts those under age 21.
With all the oxygen sucked out of the state capitol by HB 4145, it will be a challenge to get Knife Rights’ bipartisan West Virginia Knife Law Preemption bill, HB 4541, passed this year in the remaining days left in the session. HB 4541 would ensure that knife carriers don’t face local restrictions on their right to carry a knife under HB 4145.
Mar. 2, 2016: Knife Rights’ Mississippi Knife Law Preemption bill, HB 1294 that is sponsored by Rep. Herb Frierson has been passed by the House on a vote of 101-16. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Knife Law Preemption repeals and prevents local 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 passed the nation’s first Knife Law Preemption bill in Arizona in 2010 and has since passed preemption bills in Alaska, Georgia, Kansas, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin.
Mar. 2, 2016: Knife Rights’ bipartisan Maryland Knife Law Preemption bill, SB 653 has been heard by the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee. No vote was held at the time, that is the next step.
If you live, work or travel in Maryland, please CALL or EMAIL the Committee Members TODAY and ask them to please vote Yes on SB 653. That’s all you need to do, keep it simple and polite.
CONTACTS for the Judicial Proceedings Committee after the break.
January 24, 2016: Kentucky state Senator Robin Webb has introduced a Knife Law Preemption nd Knife Ban Repeal bill, S 112. This bill is the result of months of work by Knife Rights and Senator Webb and her staff. To accomplish Knife Law Preemption, the bill simply adds knives to the existing proven Kentucky firearms preemption statute.
The bill will also remove “any knife other than an ordinary pocket knife or hunting knife” from Kentucky’s definition of a “Deadly Weapon” which limits concealed carry to CCW holders. That phrase, “ordinary pocket knife or hunting knife,” has been, and could in the future be, subject to abuse from adverse interpretations by law enforcement, prosecutors and judges. In a 2003 appeals court decision (Stout v. Commonwealth), the judge held that a 5-inch “locked-blade” folding knife was NOT an “ordinary pocket knife,” even though the vast majority of pocket knives sold then and now have locking blades and knives with blades 5-inches and longer are not unusual.
June 9, 2015: Knife Rights’ Michigan Knife Law Preemption bill, SB 305, has been passed by the Senate 27-10. It now moves over to the House for consideration, most likely not until after the Summer break.
Knife Law Preemption repeals and prevents local 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.
We will advise when it is time to contact your Representative about this bill.
Sept. 1, 2015: Today is the effective date for Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption bill in Texas. Several Texas cities will see their restrictive knife laws voided today. The new law invalidates all municipal and county knife ordinances more restrictive than state law, creating uniform knife laws throughout the Lone Star State. The new law also ensues that Knife Rights’ repeal of the state’s ban on switchblade (automatic) knives that was passed in 2013 will now have effect throughout the state.
The two Texas cities that made Knife Rights’ “10 Worst Anti-Knife Cities in America” list for 2014, San Antonio at number four and Corpus Christi at number nine, have now been removed. Knife Rights Chairman Doug Ritter said, “Removing two of the nation’s worst anti-knife cities from our list in a single act is an example of what can be done when we all work together towards greater freedom in America.”
March 17, 2015: Knife Rights’ Idaho Knife Law Preemption bill, SB 1092, was passed by the Senate 25-10. SB 1092 now moves the House.
SB 1092 would repeal all existing local knife regulations and prohibit any future knife regulations, making state knife law supreme over the entire state. Our research discovered numerous local ordinances that restrict knives in Idaho, but we were especially taken aback by the prohibition on concealed carry (without a permit) of a “buck knife” in Twin Falls (Chapter 2, 6-2-1(B)). That’s particularly ironic given that Buck Knives is headquartered in Idaho.
If you live, work or travel in Idaho, please contact your state Representative or the Representative where you work or travel and ask them to please support SB 1092. CLICK HERE to find your Idaho Representative.
Feb 25, 2015: Indiana Representative Peggy Mayfield has introduced Knife Rights’ Knife Law Preemption bill, HB 1635. The bill has been assigned to the House Committee on Public Policy where the Committee Chairman, Rep. Thomas Dermody (R-20), has indicated that he is not been inclined to hear the bill. Your help is needed to convince the Chairman to hear the bill.
If you live,
Jan. 30, 2015: Mississippi Representative Herb Frierson this week introduced Knife Rights’ Knife Law Preemption bill, House Bill 552. Knife Rights has been working to pass Knife Law Preemption in Mississippi since Rep. John Moore introduced our bill last year. We are very pleased to be working with Rep. Frierson this year to rid the state of its patchwork of local laws more strict than state law.
Kentucky State Senator Robin Webb has introduced Knife Rights’ Knife Law Preemption bill, SB 146. SB 146 would repeal all existing local knife regulations and prohibit any future knife regulations, making state knife law supreme over the entire state. It also specifically provides that parties may sue to enjoin any violations of the new preemption law and be awarded reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.
If you live, work or travel in Kentucky, please contact your state Senator or the Senator where you work or travel and ask them to please support SB 146. CLICK HERE to find your Kentucky Senator.
Feb. 10, 2015: Vermont State Representative Patrick Brennan,Co-Chairman of the Vermont Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, has introduced a Knife Rights requested bill H.165 that would enact Knife Law Preemption in Vermont. H.165 has been assigned to the House Committee on Fish, Wildlife and Water Resources.
If you live, work or travel in Vermont, please contact your Representative AND the Committee Members and ask them to support H.165. Click the link to locate your Legislator and/or the Legislator who represents where you work or travel: http://legislature.vermont.gov/people/search/2016 Click “Read More >>>>” below for the contacts of the Committee Members.
Vermont already has pretty reasonable knife laws, but preemption prevents a patchwork of local 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 passed the nation’s first Knife Law Preemption bill in Arizona in 2010 and has since passed preemption bills in Alaska, Georgia, Kansas, New Hampshire, Tennessee and Utah.
May 15, 2015: Knife Rights’ Texas Knife Law Preemption bill, HB 905, that would rid Texas of its patchwork of local knife laws more strict than state law, has been assigned to the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice. Time is short and we need your help to get this bill heard and passed out of this committee.
If you live, work or travel in Texas, we need you to ask Chairman Whitmire to hear HB 905 as soon as possible and we need you to also CALL and WRITE the committee members and politely ask them to support HB 905. Click on “Read More >>>>” below for a list of committee members with contacts.
November 1, 2015: Knife Rights’ Oklahoma Knife Law Preemption bill, HB 1460, takes effect today. Combined with Knife Rights’ Oklahoma Switchblade Carry Ban Repeal bill, HB 1911, that also takes effect today, preemption ensures that switchblade (automatic) knife carriers will not have to deal with local restrictions on automatics and that possession of all knives will be legal throughout the state.
Knife Law Preemption repeals and prevents local 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.
Daggers, Bowie knives and dirks are still prohibited from general carry in Oklahoma. Knife Rights still has some clean-up work to do in Oklahoma, but enactment of these two bills this year is a huge step forward for Oklahomans.
March 31, 2015: Knife Rights’ South Carolina Knife Law Preemption bill, H.3115, has passed the SC House by a vote of 88-0! It now moves to the Senate.
South Carolina already has pretty reasonable knife laws, but preemption prevents a patchwork of local 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 passed the nation’s first Knife Law Preemption bill in Arizona in 2010 and has since passed preemption bills in Alaska, Georgia, Kansas, New Hampshire, Tennessee and Utah .
If you live, work or travel in South Carolina, please contact your Senator and ask them to support H.3115. Click here to locate your Senator and/or the Senator who represents where you work or travel.
Dec. 19, 2013: South Carolina state Senator Kevin L. Bryant has introduced a Knife Law Preemption bill, S.885, for the 2014 session. This is the fifth Knife Rights backed bill pre-filed for the 2014 legislative session! If you live, work or travel in South Carolina, we need your help. Please click on “Read More>>>>” below.
Feb. 5 2014: Knife Rights’ Todd Rathner testified today at the Vermont House Government Operations hearing on H.128, a Knife Rights’ Knife Law Preemption bill sponsored by Rep. Patrick Brennan. The next step is up to the Committee Chairman, Rep. Donna Sweaney, who must hold a vote on the bill. If you live, work or travel in Vermont, please contact Chairman Sweaney and ask her to please bring up H.128 for a vote. Contact Rep. Sweaney at: dsweaney@leg.state.vt.us or call: 802-674-5175
July 11, 2012: Knife Rights is pleased to announce the filing of Pennsylvania HB2548 which would repeal the Keystone State’s ban on the possession of automatic knives and enact Knife Rights’ signature Knife Preemption Law. The legislation was drafted by Knife Rights Director of Legislative Affairs, Todd Rathner, and was introduced by Rep Michelle Brooks (R-17). Bipartisan Co-sponsors include Rep. Marc Gergely (D-35) and Rep. Jeff Pyle (R-60). Addition co-sponsors can be found on the bill’s sponsor page.
Over the years many local political jurisdictions (towns, cities and counties, etc.) have enacted laws banning the sale, possession, use, and/or manufacture of certain types of knives. This includes knives that the average citizen would consider common pocketknives. In most cases, these local restrictions are more restrictive than state law and they often contradict state law.
The resulting patchwork of ordinances and rules serve to confuse or entrap those traveling within or through a state.
Knife Rights national state knife law preemption campaign was launched in 2010 in Arizona. Preemption protects knife owners, knife collectors and those in the knife industry from a confusing patchwork of local knife ordinances and rules.
Preemption is a key component of Knife Rights’ national legislative agenda to protect knife owners’ rights. The bipartisan passage of Knife Rights Arizona knife preemption law now serves as a model for preemption efforts in other states whose citizens are subject to a similar patchwork of local knife laws with attendant civil rights issues.
June 9, 2011: New Hampshire Governor John Lynch has signed into law the Knife Rights backed Knife Law Preemption Bill, HB 544. New Hampshire becomes the third state in the nation to enact Knife Law Preemption. The law takes effect in 60 days.
Congratulations to NH Rep. Jenn Coffey who sponsored this bill and who worked tirelessly with her colleagues, local advocates and our lobbyist to ensure the bill passed unanimously in both houses of the New Hampshire legislature. Rep. Coffey’s efforts enacted a strong preemption law which will protect knife owners from senseless local ordinances well into the future.
March 24, 2011: Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert has signed the Knife Rights backed Knife Law Preemption Bill, HB 271, making Utah the nation’s second state to enact Knife Law Preemption. Knife Rights would like to thank the bill’s chief sponsor, Representative Ryan D. Wilcox and the Senate sponsor, Senator Allen M. Christensen, for their support. Knife Rights appreciates Governor Herbert’s signing the bill promptly. We’d also like to thank the Utah Shooting Sport Council for all their support during our lobbying effort.
Knife Rights Chairman, Doug Ritter, said, “we are very pleased to have Utah become the second state in the nation to pass Knife Law Preemption, helping to lead the way to a sharper future. Knife Rights’ National Knife Law Preemption Campaign is now gaining momentum and this law is further proof that Knife Rights is leading the charge in legislative initiatives to decriminalize knife possession and improve or eliminate restrictive knife laws.”
The bill becomes law 60 days after adjournment of the Legislature. Click here to read the text of the bill.
Knife Rights would like to offer our special thanks to Blade HQ of Lehi, Utah, for their financial support for this effort and for testifying in support of the bill at the Legislature.
April 15, 2011: Knife Rights backed Knife Law Preemption bill, HB544, will be heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee on April 20th. It passed the NH House last month.
If you are a citizen of New Hampshire or if you travel there on business or recreation, please send an e-mail to the Senators on the Judiciary Committee asking them for their support. We have provided a model email for you to send to the committee members (click on “Read More >>>>” below).
March 2, 2011: The Knife Rights backed Knife Law Preemption bill is headed to the Governor after being passed by the Utah Senate. HB 271 prohibits a municipality, county, or local district from passing any ordinance more restrictive than state law.
Representative Ryan D. Wilcox’s bill was modeled on Knife Rights’ Knife Preemption Law passed in Arizona last year.
This bill is among the first of a number of legislative initiatives that Knife Rights is working on for this year. Please make a contribution to the Second Frontâ„¢ Legislative Campaign which supports our National Knife Law Preemption Campaign and other legislative initiatives to decriminalize knife possession and rationalize restrictive knife laws.
Winners Have Been Notified and prizes shipped (except firearms waiting arrival of documentation). Congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who bought tickets for your support!
April 28: Arizona Governor Jan Brewer has signed the the nation’s first Knife Preemption Law, advanced by Knife Rights. The bill, SB1153, was passed by bipartisan votes of 36-19 in the Arizona House and 19-9 in the Arizona Senate. It will take effect 90 days after the legislature adjourns, expected this week, and not only prevents political subdivisions from enacting new ordinances and rules, but voids all existing restrictive knife ordinances. In combination with Arizona’s recently enacted constitutional concealed carry law,
In 2021 Knife Rights successfully lobbied to enact knife law reform in Ohio that eliminated a number vague knife laws and eliminated state knife bans. In 2022 we saw Knife Rights’ Signature Knife Law Preemption bill enacted, adding “knives” to the state’s firearms preemption statute, eliminating local bans.
Some anti-2A jurisdictions around the country have enacted onerous liability insurance and fee requirements for simply possessing a weapon in one’s home. Senators Theresa Gavarone and Terry Johnson are working to pass Knife Rights supported SB 58 that would add a prohibition on what is,
When you work with Knife Rights you will have the support of an advocacy organization with an extraordinary record of success working with both sides of the aisle. Since 2010 Knife Rights’ efforts have resulted in 44 bills repealing knife bans in 27 states and over 175 cities and towns! Click here to view our accomplishments.
Contact: Todd Rathner
Knife Rights Director of Legislative Affairs
Email: TRathner@KnifeRights.org
Phone: 520-404-8096
Want to know the Knife Laws in your state?
LegalBlade™ 3.0, the latest iteration of Knife Rights Foundation’s groundbreaking LegalBlade™ Knife Laws in America™ App, is now available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. As before, LegalBlade™ provides guidance at your fingertips to the knife laws of all 50 states, the District of Columbia and over 40 cities. Knowledge of the law is the first step in avoiding an unfortunate arrest, loss of your knife or other legal complications.
Knife Rights Celebrates July 1st Enactment Day for Knife Law Bills in Virginia, Florida and Tennessee.
Virginia: Switchblade Concealed Carry Legalized
As of July 1st, concealed carry of automatic knives is legal in Virginia. This follows on from our repeal last year of Virginia’s ban on switchblades (automatic) knives that did not include repeal of the ban on concealed carry.
NOTE: Dirks, stilettos and daggers remain prohibited from concealed carry in Virginia.
Knife Rights’ Texas Knife Law Reform Bill, HB 1311, was passed today by the full House with a unanimous bipartisan vote. We thank our bill sponsors, Representatives Harold Dutton and Ryan Guillen, for their efforts, and all of you who emailed to get this bill out of committee. HB 1311 now moves to the Senate for action.
Knife Rights will let you know as soon as it is appropriate to contact your Texas Senators to support HB 1311.
After intense lobbying and your hundreds of emails, Knife Rights’ Texas Knife Law Reform Bill, HB 1311, was voted out of the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee by a bipartisan 9-0 vote. A floor vote is soon expected. We thank Chairman Joe Moody for bringing the bill to a vote.
HB 1311 would create an exception for two commonly visited places where Location-Restricted Knives (knives over 5 1/2 inches) are banned.
Knife Rights supported Nebraska Constitutional Carry bill, LB 77 which covers knives and includes Knife Law Preemption, has been signed by Governor Jim Pillen. Gov. Pillen said, “this bill fulfills the promise I made to voters to uphold our Second Amendment rights and the ability of all law-abiding Nebraskans to defend themselves.”
NOTE: The new law does not take effect until 90 days after the legislature adjourns. With an expected June 9th adjournment,
Knife Rights’ Texas Knife Law Reform Bill, HB 1311, was heard yesterday by the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee. Knife Rights Director of Legislative Affairs, Todd Rathner, testified in support of the bill.
If you are a Texas resident, please use Knife Rights’ Legislative Action Center to easily email committee members to vote YES on HB 1311: https://kniferights.org/resources/congressweb/#/58
HB 1311 would remove two commonly visited places where Location-Restricted Knives (knives over 5 1/2 inches) are banned.
Knife Rights supported Nebraska Constitutional Carry bill, LB 77 which includes knives and preemption, was passed today by a bipartisan 33-14 vote of Nebraska’s unicameral legislature. It now moves to Governor Jim Pillen for his action.
We sincerely appreciate that the sponsors ensured that this Constitutional Carry bill covers all weapons, including knives, and the expanded “weapons” preemption statute would also include Knife Law Preemption.
Thanks to all of you who used Knife Rights’
Since 2013 Knife Rights has worked to Rewrite Knife Law in Tennessee starting with our signature Knife Law Preemption. In 2014 we worked with our legislative friends and Tennessee Sheriffs to repeal the state’s ban on switchblade (automatic) knives and carry of knives with blades over 4 inches.
Yesterday, Governor Bill Lee signed Knife Rights supported SB 172 that repealed the ban on carry of pocket knives by adults voting on school grounds on an election day.
Knife Rights supported Florida Permitless Carry bill, HB 543, which includes knives, has been signed by Governor DeSantis. Once in effect, concealed carry in Florida without a permit will no longer be limited to a “pocket knife.”
NOTE: Permitless Concealed Carry does not become effective until July 1st. Because there is not yet Knife Law Preemption in Florida, local laws may still limit what knives can be carried and how.
Knife Rights supported Nebraska Constitutional Carry bill, LB 77 which includes knives and preemption, will be up for a vote in Nebraska’s unicameral legislature shortly, possibly before the end of this week.
If you are a Nebraska resident, please use Knife Rights’ Legislative Action Center TODAY to email members to support LB 77: https://kniferights.org/resources/congressweb/#/57
Knife Rights supports Constitutional Carry and particularly bills such as this that cover knives.
Knife Rights’ Mississippi bill to enact knife law preemption, SB 2383, sponsored by Sen. Mike Seymour, is stalled in committee. The deadline for a hearing is Tuesday!
ACT RIGHT NOW! If you are a Mississippi resident, or work or travel in the state, please use Knife Rights’ Legislative Action Center to email or call Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann, Senate Judiciary Committee Division A Chair Brice Wiggins and Subcommittee Chair Nicole Boyd to request they hold a hearing on SB 2382 before the deadline Tuesday,
North Dakota Representative Claire Cory has introduced HB 1479 that would remove “switchblade or gravity knife, machete, scimitar, stiletto, sword, dagger, or knife with a blade of five inches [12.7 centimeters] or more” from the definition of a “dangerous weapon.” It would also enact Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption in the state.
Knife Law Preemption is a Knife Rights’ criminal justice reform effort that repeals and prevents local ordinances more restrictive than state law which only serve to confuse or entrap law-abiding citizens traveling within or through the state.
Longtime Knife Rights Texas bill sponsor, Representative Harold Dutton, has introduced HB 1311, a bill that would remove two commonly visited places where Location-Restricted Knives (knives over 5 1/2 inches) are banned. Those locations are restaurants and bars that derive 51% of their income from sale or service of alcoholic beverages and amusement parks.
Knife Rights will let you know as soon as it is appropriate to contact your Texas lawmakers to support HB 1311.
Repeal of Pennsylvania’s ban on possession and carry of Switchblade Knives takes effect today. Manufacture and sale of automatic knives in the state is also now legal.
WARNING: Without knife law preemption in Pennsylvania, cities and towns can still prohibit automatic (and other) knives, and many do. To find local knife restrictions go to: https://kniferights.org/how-to-find-local-knife-laws/ or download Knife Rights’ LegalBlade App.
WARNING: Concealed carry of an automatic knife “…with the intent therewith unlawfully and maliciously to do injury to any other person…” remains illegal in Pennsylvania.
The repeal of restrictions on the carrying of a Bowie knife or a concealed knife in Alabama take effect today with enactment of Constitutional Carry in the state.
WARNING: Local jurisdictions may still restrict or ban knives. Knife Rights looks forward to working to enact its signature Knife Law Preemption going forward in Alabama. This would void those restrictions and bans and prevent any being put in place in the future. To find local knife restrictions go to: https://kniferights.org/how-to-find-local-knife-laws/ or download Knife Rights’ LegalBlade App.
2022 has been a very good year for Knife Rights and our supporters. If you consider your support for Knife Rights as an investment, we are giving you an excellent return on that investment. More on that below. If you are looking to make a tax-deductible donation before year’s end, our 501(c)(3) Knife Rights Foundation could sure use your support as we look forward to another busy year ahead (Click here and select Knife Rights Foundation).
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf today signed House Bill 1929, repealing Pennsylvania’s ban on automatic knives!
The repeal is effective on January 2, 2023. Until then possession of automatic knives (except as a curio) remains illegal in Pennsylvania. We still have work to do in Pennsylvania; without knife law preemption, cities and towns can still prohibit automatic (and other) knives, and many do. Download our LegalBlade App 2.0 to find your local knife laws.
New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu on Friday signed Knife Rights supported HB 1178, a bill that prohibits the state from enforcing any federal statute, regulation, or Presidential Executive Order that restricts or regulates the right of the people to keep and bear arms, including, specifically, knives. This is the first such law to be enacted that specifically includes knives. The new law is effective immediately.
In a week where the Supreme Court issued an historic opinion on the Second Amendment that affirms constitutional protections for the right to bear arms,
Knife Rights’ supported language in Georgia SB 319, that would enact Constitutional Carry in the Peach State, has been passed and is off to the Governor for his action. Governor Kemp has said he would sign a Constitutional Carry bill if passed. He is expected to sign the bill post haste, which would make Georgia the 25th state with Constitutional Carry. SB 319 would eliminate the existing 12-inch limit on carry of knives without a concealed carry permit.
Michigan Representative Ryan Berman and nine co-sponsors have introduced HB 5883, a bill that would repeal the state’s ban on concealed carry of “a dagger, dirk, stiletto, a double-edged nonfolding stabbing instrument of any length, or any other dangerous weapon” A “a hunting knife adapted and carried as such” is already excluded from the ban.
We will let you know when it is time to contact your legislators to move HB 5883 forward.
Knife Rights supported Georgia HB 135, that would enact Constitutional Carry in the Peach State, passed the House 94-57 last week. HB 135 would eliminate the existing 12-inch limit on carry of knives without a concealed carry permit. The bill now moves to the Senate. Governor Kemp has said he will sign a Constitutional Carry bill if passed.
We are pleased to be working with our friends at GeorgiaCarry.org to get this bill passed.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed Knife Rights supported HB 272, a bill enacting Constitutional Carry in the state. Restrictions on the carrying of a Bowie knife or a concealed knife in Alabama are repealed.
Knife Rights deeply appreciates sponsor Representative Shane Singer’s including these knife ban repeals in this bill. Congratulations to Rep. Stringer and his 36 co-sponsors for their success in getting this bill enacted.
NOTE: Constitutional Carry and repeal of these knife bans does not go into effect until January 1,
Knife Rights supported Georgia HB 903, the Second Amendment Restoration and Protection Act, has been introduced to enact Constitutional Carry in the Peach State. HB 903 would eliminate the existing 12-inch limit on carry of knives without a concealed carry permit. Governor Kemp has said he will sign a Constitutional Carry bill if passed.
We are pleased to be working with our friends at GeorgiaCarry.org to get this bill passed.
Alabama’s Constitutional Carry bill is now in effect, including repeal of restrictions on the carrying of a Bowie knife or a concealed knife.
WARNING: Local jurisdictions may still restrict or ban knives. Knife Rights looks forward to working to enact its signature Knife Law Preemption going forward in Alabama. This would void those restrictions and bans and prevent any being put in place in the future. To find local knife restrictions go to: https://kniferights.org/how-to-find-local-knife-laws/ or download Knife Rights’ LegalBlade App.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has vetoed our bipartisan Michigan Knife Rights Act, HB 4066, that would have enacted Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption in the state.
Strongly supported by both parties, enactment of the Michigan Knife Rights Act would have protected millions of Michiganders from harassment by police for carrying simple tools they use every day for work. Whitmer’s veto is evidence that she does not care about needless interactions between Michigan residents and law enforcement.
Our Michigan Knife Rights Act, HB 4066, that would enact Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption in the state, has been presented to Governor Whitmer.
ACT NOW! If you are a Michigan resident, or work or travel in the state, please use Knife Rights’ Legislative Action Center to ask Governor Whitmer to sign HB 4066: https://kniferights.org/resources/congressweb/#/48
Please use the Tell-A-Friend feature available through Knife Rights’
With a bipartisan vote of 66 – 38, the Michigan House voted final passage of our Michigan Knife Rights Act, HB 4066, that was passed by the Senate last week. This is Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption bill. Once the bill is enrolled, it will pass to the Governor for action.
As soon as the bill makes it over to Governor Whitmer’s office we will ask you to contact the Governor using Knife Rights’
Our Michigan Knife Rights Act, HB 4066, was passed by the Senate with a bipartisan vote of 25-11. This is Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption bill which passed the House earlier this year. However, because the Senate made a minor change in the bill, it now goes back to the House for a concurrence vote. Thanks to all who used our Legislative Action center to email the Senators.
Knife Law Preemption is a Knife Rights’
Knife Rights’ Michigan Knife Rights Act, HB 4066, was “reported favorably” out out of the Senate Local Government Committee with a minor amendment. This is Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption bill which passed the House earlier this year. HB 4066 now moves to the full Senate for a vote.
If you are a Michigan resident, please use Knife Rights’ Legislative Action Center to easily EMAIL Senators and ask them to vote YES on HB 4066:
https://kniferights.org/resources/congressweb/#/47
Knife Law Preemption is a Knife Rights criminal justice reform effort that nullifies existing ordinances and prevents new local ordinances more restrictive than state law which only serve to confuse or entrap law-abiding citizens traveling within or through the state.
In Michigan, where our Michigan Knife Rights Act, HB 4066, passed the House earlier this year, the Senate hearing was held this week. Besides testimony from bill sponsor Rep. Andrew Fink and Knife Rights’ Todd Rathner, we were honored to have eight-year-old Remington Wilson (who I mentioned in our National Knife Day News Slice) testify in support of the bill (right in photo below with his father proudly looking on).
July 25, 2016: Knife Rights was born ten years ago today after I read an outrageous and highly inflammatory article headlining the Wall Street Journal, entitled "How New, Deadly Pocketknives Became a $1 Billion Business" demonizing so-called "tactical knives." A discredit to the Journal, the overwrought and sensationalist article was filled with distortions, misrepresentations, innuendo, outright lies and cherry-picked quotes pushing a transparent rabid anti-weapon and anti-freedom agenda. But, the story didn’t quite spark the anti-knife response the reporter probably hoped for — in fact, it had precisely the opposite effect.
Reading that article I became incensed at the blatant, misguided attack on our everyday tools. I realized that there was no NRA for knife owners. There was no aggressive, proactive grassroots organization working to stop the U.S. from sinking into the anti-knife, anti-freedom pit that already exists in Europe and the U.K.
That article ignited a new civil rights movement. Over the past decade Knife Rights has literally rewritten knife law in America. More knives and more freedom couldn’t have been further from his objective, but that’s exactly what he got. Thank you, Wall Street Journal.
If you are a Texas resident, use Knife Rights’ Legislative Action Center to urge members of the Texas Senate Committee on State Affairs to push for a vote on HB 956. Time is running out. Every indication is we have the BIPARTISAN votes needed to pass the bill in Committee and on the floor of the Senate, but the bill is stalled. Governor Abbott has indicated he would sign the bill. The Chairman has not allowed a vote to be held.
Knife Rights’ Michigan Knife Rights Act, HB 4066, was passed out of the House Local Government and Municipal Finance Committee by a vote of 8-5. HB 4066 is Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption bill for Michigan. The bill will now be eligible for a vote by the full House.
Knife Rights will let you know when it is time to contact your legislators to support HB 4066.
Knife Law Preemption is a Knife Rights criminal justice reform effort that nullifies existing ordinances and prevents new local ordinances more restrictive than state law which only serve to confuse or entrap law-abiding citizens traveling within or through the state.
Knife Rights’ bipartisan Texas Knife Law Reform Bill, HB 956, was passed by the Texas House of Representatives today by a vote of 142 to 2. It now moves to the Senate for their consideration. Thanks to all our Texas members and supporters who used Knife Rights’ Legislative Action Center to email their Representatives to support this bill.
HB 956 would remove from statute a number of places where Location-Restricted Knives (having blades over 5 1/2 inches) are banned,
Knife Rights’ Texas Knife Law Reform Bill, HB 956, is set for a vote Monday, April 26th, on the floor of the House. Thanks for the hundreds of emails you sent to members of the House Calendars Committee. Now we need to do it again for the floor vote.
HB 956 would remove from statute a number of places where Location-Restricted Knives (having blades over 5 1/2 inches) are banned,
If you are a Texas resident, use Knife Rights’ Legislative Action Center to urge members of the Texas House Calendars Committee to set Knife Rights’ Knife Law Reform Bill, HB 956, for a floor vote. HB 956 would remove from statute a number of places where Location-Restricted Knives (having blades over 5 1/2 inches) are banned.
HB 956 would remove restaurants and bars that derive 51% of their income from sale or service of alcoholic beverages,
On Tuesday, April 13, at the Rick Hinderer Knives factory in Shreve, Ohio, before a gathering of legislators and other advocates who helped make it happen, Rick assembled a prototype of his first automatic (switchblade) knife that is now legal to manufacture in Ohio with the enactment the day before of SB 140, Knife Rights’ Ohio Knife Law Reform bill.
Rick Hinderer thanked the assembled legislators, Knife Rights and other advocates,
Today, April 12, is the enactment date for SB 140, Knife Rights’ Ohio Knife Law Reform bill. Effective today Ohio knife law is changed in the following manner:
1. The ban on manufacture and sale of “switchblade,” “spring blade” and “gravity” knives is repealed. Possession and open carry has always been legal and concealed carry was legal except for the jeopardy inherent in the extreme vagueness of Ohio’s concealed “deadly weapon”
The Texas House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee held a hearing yesterday for HB 956 that would remove from statute a number of places where Location-Restricted Knives (having blades over 5 1/2 inches) are banned. Knife Rights Director of Legislative Affairs, Todd Rathner, gave testimony on the bill at the hearing (photo below). This bill hearing and vote came about only after Todd spent weeks lobbying in Austin to gain support for the bill and to get the bill scheduled for a hearing.
The Michigan Knife Rights Act, HB 4066, Knife Rights’ signature knife law preemption bill, has been re-introduced. Last year the Act was passed by the House with a bipartisan vote of 71-36, but was never moved in the Senate due to the pandemic stopping most legislation from proceeding.
Sponsors include author Rep. Steven Johnson, who has previously led the effort on this bill, as well as Representatives Andrew Fink, John Reilly,
Knife Rights’ Ohio Knife Law Reform Bill, SB 140, has been signed by Governor Mike DeWine. We sincerely thank Gov. DeWine for signing this important bill. Thanks, also, to all of you who used Knife Rights Legislative Action Center for the hundreds of emails and calls to the governor.
NOTE: The new law does not take effect until April 12, 2021. Existing law is still in effect until then.
NOTE: We have not yet passed Knife Rights signature knife law preemption in Ohio,
Long time Texas Knife Rights sponsor Representative Harold Dutton has introduced HB 956 that would remove from statute a number of places where Location-Restricted Knives are banned. The locations being removed includes restaurants and bars that derive 51% of their income from sale or service of alcoholic beverages, amusement parks and places of religious worship.
In 2013 Knife Rights’ repeal of Texas’ switchblade ban was enacted. In 2015 Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption was enacted,
All of us at Knife Rights offer our sincere empathy for what our friends and supporters have gone through this year. We’ll be thrilled to leave 2020 behind and hope and pray 2021 will turn into something resembling “normal” for all of us.
Despite all the challenges we’ve all faced, Knife Rights has forged ahead to get important things done with the help of our supporters. As 2020 stutters to a close,
I don’t think anyone will argue that 2020 has sucked. We tossed around a bunch of descriptives, but in the end Sue, Todd and I decided “sucked” works. For some it has sucked much worse than for others. For some, less sucky. But, everyone has coped with some degree of suckiness.
All of us at Knife Rights offer our sincere empathy for what our friends and supporters have gone through. We’ll be thrilled to leave 2020 behind and hope and pray 2021 will turn into something resembling “normal”
While not obviously applicable to most reading this, this is actually an important judicial victory for all knife owners. In an opinion dealing with felons in possession of weapons, the Kansas Supreme Court held a critical portion of the statute unconstitutionally vague. While the decision dealt specifically with this felon related statue, it is relevant to many statutes with similar vague language. While the precedent it sets in Kansas is limited to that state, it will be cited in cases in other states where similar catch-all phrases (technically,
L-R: Doug Ritter, Logan Simmons and Alan Romania – Logan holding the knife he used to save the child.
(Click for high resolution of photo above. Click remaining photos and links
for higher resolution images – Photo Credits: Dirk Loots)
On July 24, 2019 in the Flowery Branch, Georgia, Chick-Fil-A where on June 25th nineteen-year-old Logan Simmons saved a six-year-old child choking in his seatbelt,
Knife Rights supported HB 446, repealing the ban on carry of clubs (including tomahawks) and possession of knuckles (including trench knives and the like) has been signed by Texas Governor Abbot. It will be effective on September 1, 2019.
NOTE: A Trench Knife with a blade over 5.5-inches will be considered a Location Restricted Knife and is banned from carry at some specific locations.
In 2013 Knife Rights’
After intense lobbying by Knife Rights Director of Legislative Affairs, Todd Rathner, working closely with sponsor Senator Bryan Hughes and our friends in Austin, the Texas Senate on Monday passed Knife Rights’ “Location-Restricted Knife” Reform Bill, SB 2381, by a bipartisan vote of 19-12. The bill’s co-author is Sen. Pat Fallon. The bill has been transmitted to the House where the House companion bill, HB 2342, sponsored by Rep.
Todd Rathner, Knife Rights Director of Legislative Affairs, spent his fifth week in Texas this year working to get SB 2381 out of the Texas Senate Criminal Justice Committee. It was passed out by a vote of 4-2. SB 2381 would remove from statute a number of places where Location-Restricted Knives are banned. The locations being removed includes restaurants and bars that derive 51% of their income from sale or service of alcoholic beverages,
As of November 7, 2022: Alphabetical listing of states where civilian possession of switchblade/automatic knives are legal with any limitations noted.
* = Concealed Carry also legal
States where Knife Rights has enacted Knife Law Preemption are in Bold with Date
States where Knife Rights has enacted Repeal of a Switchblade Ban are Italics with Date
This information IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and DOES NOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE.
Longtime Texas Knife Rights sponsor Representative Harold Dutton and Senator Bryan Hughes have introduced companion bills, HB 2342 and SB 2381, that would remove from statute a number of places where Location-Restricted Knives are banned. The locations being removed includes restaurants and bars that derive 51% of their income from sale or service of alcoholic beverages, amusement parks and places of religious worship.
In 2013 Knife Rights’
Information on knife laws, including those of a number of cities, can be found on Knife Rights’ LegalBlade App. However, because there are hundreds, if not thousands, of local knife regulations, it is impossible to list them all. In most cases, if you want to know local knife restrictions and bans, you will need to either locate the regulations online or contact the jurisdiction.
12 states have enacted Knife Rights’
August 1st is Switchblade Freedom Day in Louisiana when Knife Rights’ Switchblade Ban Repeal bill, HB 892, goes into effect.
HB 892 repealed the total ban on switchblade knives in Louisiana and allows for the possession of a switchblade knife provided it is not “intentionally concealed on one’s person.” That provision was necessary to gain the neutrality of the Sheriffs and the State Police. Manufacture and sale of automatic knives are also now legal.
Colorado Springs recently repealed their local ban on switchblades and gravity knives. Click here to read the ordinance that was passed. Knife Rights would like to congratulate our good friend Air Force Master Sgt. (Ret) John Bloodgood for this notable accomplishment.
When Knife Rights was able to help repeal Colorado’s ban on switchblades and gravity knives last year, that bill did not include preemption which would have nullified all local bans.
The enemies of freedom never sleep. While we are continuing to work on bills to repeal knife prohibitions in numerous states, unfortunately we also must keep an eye out for bad bills that would cause problems for knife owners. This week saw just such a bill filed in Kansas.
In 2013 our Kansas Comprehensive Knife Rights Act removed all knife prohibitions in Kansas statutes and enacted Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption.
The new law was effective on September 1st, 2017. The following is a summary of the new law with respect to carry of knives. Read the actual bill here: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/85R/billtext/pdf/HB01935F.pdf
All “illegal knives” (Penal Code Sec. 46.01(6)) that were previously prohibited to carry (Penal Code Sec. 46.02) were removed from Texas statute: This includes: knives with blades longer than 5.5 inches, hand instrument designed to cut or stab another by being thrown,
Texas HB 1935, that was passed overwhelmingly by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott, takes effect September 1. The new law eliminates from Texas statute the prohibition against carrying “illegal knives,” including daggers, dirks, stilettos, poniards, swords, spears and most notably, Bowie knives. This allows them to be carried throughout the state with the exception that knives with blades over 5.5 inches are now restricted from carry in a limited number of locations.
The new law was effective on September 1st, 2017. The following is a summary of the new law with respect to carry of knives. Read the actual bill here: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/85R/billtext/pdf/HB01935F.pdf
All “illegal knives” (Penal Code Sec. 46.01(6)) that were previously prohibited to carry (Penal Code Sec. 46.02) will be removed from Texas statute: This list includes: knives with blades longer than 5.5 inches, hand instrument designed to cut or stab another by being thrown,
Knife Rights’ bill to mostly repeal Illinois’ switchblade ban, SB 607, was signed late on Friday by Governor Bruce Rauner. It was effectively immediately upon signing.
SB 607 allows possession, including carry, both open and concealed, of automatic knives by those who have a Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) Card, which allows the individual to purchase firearms and ammunition. This is not a possession with CCW law, as some have suggested.
Colorado’s switchblade and gravity knife ban repeal takes effect on Wednesday, August 9th.
Knife Rights was pleased to be able to support Senator Hill and Representative Lebsock in moving this bill through the legislature and delivering more freedom for Colorado knife owners. Knife Rights’ Director of Legislative Affairs, Todd Rathner, traveled to Denver to lobby the bill at the invitation of the sponsors, overcoming objections raised by some legislators.
Knife Rights would also like to recognize Sen.
As we were in Washington, D.C. yesterday lobbying on our Knife Owners’ Protection Act including repeal of the Federal Switchblade Act we received the welcome news that Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed into law Knife Rights’ bipartisan Texas Knife Law Reform Bill, HB 1935, that repeals all “illegal knives” in Texas statute.
We must once again express our gratitude to our House sponsors, Primary Author, Rep. Frullo, Joint Authors,
Georgia Governor Nathan Deal today signed HB 292 that includes the language from Knife Rights’ Georgia Knife Law Reform bill, SB 49. This new law increases the legal carry length of a knife blade in the state from 5 inches to 12 inches (see Section 3 of HB 292).
The new 12-inch length limit was effective immediately upon signing. Having enacted Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption in Georgia in 2012,
Knife Rights’ bipartisan Texas Knife Law Reform Bill, HB 1935, that would repeal the ban on all “illegal knives” in Texas statutes could be voted on by the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee as early as Monday April 17th. It is important to call and email the members of the committee so that they are aware of the importance of this bill to the public.
If you live, work or travel in Texas,
Knife Rights’ bipartisan Texas Knife Law Reform Bill, HB 1935, that would repeal the ban on all “illegal knives” in Texas statutes, has been scheduled for a hearing on Monday in the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence.
If you live, work or travel in Texas, please contact the committee members TODAY and politely ask them to “please vote “YES” on HB 1935.” That’s all you need to do, short and simple.
Knife Rights’ Texas Knife Law Reform Bill, HB 1935, that would repeal the ban on all “illegal knives” in Texas statutes, has been introduced by Rep. John Frullo. HB 1935 would complete Knife Rights’ efforts to bring knife freedom to Texas by removing entirely the definition of “illegal knife” in Section 46.01(6) of the Penal Code. This includes the prohibition on double edge blades, Bowie knives and the 5.5-inch carry limit.
You are absolutely spot on in noting that there is a close relationship between the anti-gun advocates and the anti-knife advocates, they are one and the same. However, the NRA has its hands full with its own battles and it is specifically firearms oriented and until recently hasn’t seen the need to take on knife issues.
That stance changed when we went up against Customs and the NRA became an integral part of the coalition that was formed to oppose Customs.
We organized Knife Rights in December of 2006 as a result of an article that appeared in the Wall Street Journal article (read the WSJ article in PDF format (1 MB download) or in standard web format as published in another paper). This article served as the catalyst that focused our attention on the threat. We recognized that those with an anti-knife agenda strategically planted the seeds for this article with a reporter they knew would likely end up writing it with the slant they were looking for.
The Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office, as a result of a Public Information Act request from WBAL TV-11 in Baltimore, finally released the evidence photos of the knife for which Freddie Gray was arrested, leading to his subsequent death while in custody. This knife was repeatedly mentioned at the trials of the officers charged and then acquitted in Gray’s death, but until Monday, the public had never seen the knife in question.
Rewriting Knife Law In America™
2010-2016
21 PRO-KNIFE BILLS PASSED IN 15 STATES!
Alaska ● Arizona ● Georgia ● Indiana ● Kansas ● Maine ● Missouri ● Nevada
New Hampshire ● Oklahoma ● Tennessee ● Texas ● Utah ● Washington ● Wisconsin
8 ANTI-KNIFE BILLS STOPPED!
Florida ● Maryland ●
July 25, 2016: Knife Rights was born ten years ago today after I read an outrageous and highly inflammatory article headlining the Wall Street Journal, entitled "How New, Deadly Pocketknives Became a $1 Billion Business" demonizing so-called "tactical knives." A discredit to the Journal, the overwrought and sensationalist article was filled with distortions, misrepresentations, innuendo, outright lies and cherry-picked quotes pushing a transparent rabid anti-weapon and anti-freedom agenda. But, the story didn’t quite spark the anti-knife response the reporter probably hoped for — in fact, it had precisely the opposite effect.
Reading that article I became incensed at the blatant, misguided attack on our everyday tools. I realized that there was no NRA for knife owners. There was no aggressive, proactive grassroots organization working to stop the U.S. from sinking into the anti-knife, anti-freedom pit that already exists in Europe and the U.K.
That article ignited a new civil rights movement. Over the past decade Knife Rights has literally rewritten knife law in America. More knives and more freedom couldn’t have been further from his objective, but that’s exactly what he got. Thank you, Wall Street Journal.
10 Years Ago Wall Street Journal Article Ignited Knife Owners’ Civil Rights Movement
July 25, 2016: Knife Rights was born ten years ago today after I read an outrageous and highly inflammatory article headlining the Wall Street Journal, entitled “How New, Deadly Pocketknives Became a $1 Billion Business” demonizing so-called “tactical knives.” A discredit to the Journal, the overwrought and sensationalist article was filled with distortions,
March 4, 2016: On Friday in Maryland the “Weapon-Free Higher Education Zones” bill, HB 1002, was passed out of the House Appropriations Committee with a favorable recommendation, but with an amendment that stripped “Knives” from the bill. The original bill would have prohibited the carry or possession of ANY and ALL knives, as well as guns and deadly weapons, anywhere on the property of public institutions of higher education in Maryland.
February 19, 2016: Georgia State Senator Bill Heath has introduced Knife Rights’ Georgia Knife Law Reform bill, SB 405, that would increase the legal carry length of a knife blade in the state from 5.5 inches to 12 inches. Sen. Heath was the sponsor of Knife Rights’ Georgia Knife Law Preemption bill that was enacted in 2012.
Efforts to completely eliminate the carry length limit have been stymied due to the manner in which a knife is defined in Georgia Law.
Oct. 31, 2016: Knife Rights’ Oklahoma Knife Law Reform bill, SB 1159, becomes effective November 1st. SB 1159 removes dagger, bowie knife, dirk knife and sword cane from the items prohibited from carry in Oklahoma, and finishes the job Knife Rights began last year with the repeal of the ban on carrying switchblade (automatic) knives and with the passage of Knife Law Preemption in Oklahoma.
Since Knife Law Preemption is already the law in Oklahoma, the revised law will be immediately effective statewide on November 1st
This represents the culmination of three years of effort by Knife Rights in Oklahoma so that knife owners there can enjoy the freedom to own and carry the knife they choose.
Oklahoma’s knife law reform is more proof that Knife Rights is the one getting it done™ for knife owners in America. Getting it done means having the perseverance to come back to a state’s legislature as many times as necessary to finish the job. We can now count 21 pro-knife bills passed in 15 states in six years. No other organization even comes close to that record.
November 25, 2015: Applying the Second Amendment to knives as arms and the groundbreaking Heller U.S. Supreme Court decision, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals reversed a lower court decision that it was illegal for someone to possess a switchblade (automatic) knife in their home. The court concluded that the Second Amendment protects knives as well as guns, one of Knife Rights’ foundational principles.
You can read the court’s decision here: http://www.wicourts.gov/ca/opinion/DisplayDocument.pdf?content=pdf&seqNo=155961
As such, this decision, albeit narrow as was required by Wisconsin law, held that at least with regards to switchblades at home, Wisconsin’s ban is unconstitutional. Knife Rights believes such bans are entirely unconstitutional. Having said that, Knife Rights Wisconsin Knife Law Reform bill, AB 142, would remove this prohibition altogether, as well as enact Knife Law Preemption, resolving the issue entirely. AB 142 has passed the House and awaits a vote in the Senate.
The case arose when Cory Herrmann, the defendant, was injured in his home. Showing his switchblade knife to a friend, Herrmann dropped the knife and cut his femoral artery. After 911 was called, officers responding to the scene seized the switchblade and subsequently Herrmann was charged with illegal possession.
President Obama Declared Freddie Gray’s Knife NOT a Switchblade in 2009
by Knife Rights’ Doug Ritter with Evan F. Nappen, Esq.
May 7, 2015 – Gilbert, AZ: Freddie Gray was charged by Officer G. Miller with violating Baltimore’s “Switch-blade knives” City Code which was originally passed in 1950. Freddie Gray’s knife was described by the officer, under penalty of perjury, as “…found to be a spring assisted,
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 1, 2015 – Gilbert, AZ: In the case of the arrest on a knife charge and subsequent death of Freddie Gray in Baltimore, Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby charged that Freddie Gray was falsely arrested and that the knife in his pocket was not an illegal switchblade. Mosby is filing murder charges against one officer while others are being charged with crimes including manslaughter and assault.
April 27, 2015: Patrik Jonsson, a writer for the Christian Science Monitor, asked a very insightful question in an April 22 story on the recent questionable death of Freddie Gray while in custody of the Baltimore police: “Should it really be illegal to carry a knife in the city?” It should come as no surprise that Knife Rights Chairman Doug Ritter’s response is, “no, it should not be illegal to carry any knife, only actual use of a knife for criminal purposes should be illegal.” Doug is quoted several times in the article that explores the absurdity of knife bans and the adverse consequences that often result. Click here to read the article.
UPDATE 5/1/2015: State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby has indicated that Freddie Gray was falsely arrested and that the knife in his pocket was not illegal. Mosby said she will file murder charges against one officer and manslaughter and other charges against others.
According to news reports, Freddie Gray was arrested after a police officer supposedly found a “switchblade” in his pocket. But, the court documents reveal something else: “The officer noticed a knife clipped to the inside of his front right pants pocket. The defendant was arrested without force or incident,” the documents say. “The knife was recovered by this officer and found to be a spring-assisted, one-hand-operated knife.” (Emphasis added.) Note that the officer did not refer to the knife as a “switchblade.”
Click “Read More >>>>” below for additional details on the arrest and differences between a legal assisted-opening knife and a switchblade.
February 8, 2016: Knife Rights’ Wisconsin Knife Law Reform Bill including Knife Law Preemption, AB 142, was signed on February 6th by Governor Scott Walker. Wisconsin is the eleventh state in which Knife Rights has repealed a switchblade ban and the ninth in which we have passed Knife Law Preemption. The new law was enacted when it was officially published on February 7, 2016.
The signing ceremony was held during the annual meeting of Wisconsin FORCE, the state NRA affiliate. Wisconsin FORCE and Executive Director Jeff Nass played a critical role in passage of the bill and Knife Rights is appreciative of their support for our efforts to forge a Sharper Future for all Americans.
At the signing, Knife Rights Chairman Doug Ritter presented Governor Walker with a Pro-Tech TR-4 automatic (switchblade) knife specially engraved with the state seal and his name and dedication during the signing ceremony (photo after the break).
June 2, 2015: Knife Rights’ Nevada Knife Law Reform Bill, SB 176, was signed by Governor Sandoval on June 1st. This act repeals existing bans on switchblade knives (longer than 2-inches), dirks, daggers and belt buckle knives and becomes effective on July 1, 2015.
Unfortunately, because preemption was dropped from the bill, citizens and travelers will still have to be wary of local regulations more restrictive than the new state law.
Nevada is the tenth state, the third this year, where Knife Rights has repealed knife bans. Knife Rights would like to express our sincere appreciation to our bill sponsor, Nevada State Senator James Settelmeyer, who guided this bill through a difficult legislative process.
Federal:
Knife Rights’ Knife Owners’ Protection Act Re-Introduced – CALL/WRITE TODAY!
Federal:
African Elephant Conservation and Legal Ivory Possession Act Re-Introduced – CALL/WRITE TODAY!
Georgia:
Knife Law Reform
Illinois:
Switchblade Ban Repeal – Passed Senate – in House
Kentucky:
Knife Ban Repeal & Preemption
Louisiana:
Switchblade w/ CCW
Maryland:
Knife Law Preemption
Maryland:
Knife Ban on College Campuses – “Knives” … Continued
Knife Rights’ First Annual Ratings of
Worst Anti-Knife Cities and Best States for Knife Owners
November 19, 2014: In the past five years Knife Rights has significantly advanced the rights of law-abiding knife owners in the United States, passing 15 pro-knife bills in 11 states. Knife Rights Chairman Doug Ritter explains, “This first annual Knife Rights review of the worst and best knife laws in America contrasts places where law-abiding knife owners enjoy complete or substantial freedom with those places which restrict the freedom of honest citizens by imposing arbitrary and irrational restrictions.
As of July 1, 2016: Alphabetical listing of states where civilian possession of switchblade/automatic knives are legal with any limitations noted.
* = Concealed Carry also legal
States where Knife Rights has enacted Knife Law Preemption are in Bold with Date
States where Knife Rights has enacted Repeal of a Switchblade Ban are Italics with Date
This information IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and DOES NOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE.
Why Knife Law Preemption is Knife Rights’ Priority: Stupidity Reigns in Ocean City, MD – Bans Assisted Openers in “Emergency” Ordinance
May 20, 2014: The Ocean City, Maryland, City Council unanimously passed an ordinance banning assisted openers on Monday, May 19, at the request of Police Chief, Ross Buzzuro. We had to double check the spelling — it seems it should be “Bizarre-O.” The “emergency” ordinance banning assisted openers is effective immediately.
Knife Rights Testifies at Texas Senate Homeland Security Committee Hearing
Looking Toward 2015 Session
Knife Rights Director of Legislative Affairs, Todd Rathner, testified on Monday at a hearing before the Texas Senate Committee on Agriculture, Rural Affairs & Homeland Security. The Committee was charged by Lt. Governor David Dewhurst to “study and make recommendations on removing barriers to Second Amendment Rights…”
Last year Knife Rights succeeded in repealing the ban on switchblade (automatic) knives in Texas,
July 1, 2014: July 1st is Knife Freedom Day in Tennessee. Knife Rights’ repeal of the ban on automatic (switchblade) knives and the carry of knives over four inches in length “with intent to go armed,” a vague law subject to abusive interpretation, goes into effect today. Combined with Knife Law Preemption that Knife Rights passed in Tennessee last year, which rendered null and void all local laws more restrictive than state law, this means that all law-abiding citizens of the Volunteer State can now own and carry the knife of their choice.
Knife Rights cautions that not all law enforcement officers may be aware of the change in the law, so be respectful, polite and cooperative if stopped, but suggest they may want to check before trying to enforce a law no longer on the books. All Knife Rights members should review attorney Evan Nappen’s recently updated article, “Knife Arrest! How Knife Owners Can Protect Themselves“
Dec. 5, 2013: Building on Knife Rights’ unprecedented 2013 legislative success with 5 more pro-knife bills passed, we are getting a jump on 2014 by filing two bills already in Florida and Tennessee. The Florida bill would enact Knife Law Preemption and the Tennessee bill would repeal the ban on automatic knives and on carry of knives over 4-inches in length “with the intent to go armed,” a vague term subject to abuse by authorities. And, we’ve just only gotten started! If you live, work or travel in Florida or Tennessee bills, we need your help. Please click on “Read More>>>>” below.
This Knife Owner’s Protection Act FAQ can also be downloaded as a PDF document.
Why do we need KOPA?
Those who travel across the country with common knives for work, recreation, and self defense are presently subject to arrest and prosecution under a confusing patchwork of inconsistent state and local laws and regulations. What is perfectly legal in one place may be a serious crime in another, carrying significant penalties including jail time.
2013 has been our most productive year yet, building upon our prior successes to create an even Sharper Future™. With your help:
Some naysayers argued that political reaction to the Newtown tragedy would make it impossible for us to make headway this year, but we were not convinced. Turns out we were right!
For full details on our five-year record of extraordinary success, click on “Read More >>>>”
July 24, 2013: Knife Rights has recently received numerous emails and calls seeking clarification of the new Texas law (HB1862) repealing the ban on automatic (switchblade) knives that Knife Rights passed this year. This new law goes into effect on September 1.
The Texas Legislature will be back is session in 2015 and Knife Rights will be there working to remove the remaining restrictions and to get Knife Law Preemption passed. In the meantime there are still limitations that Texas owners of automatic knives must be aware of.
Click on “Read More >>>>” for all the critical details.
June 21, 2013: After two years of effort, Alaska Governor Sean Parnell has signed HB33, Alaska’s Knife Rights Act, which enacts sweeping reform of Alaska’s knife laws. HB33 legalizes the possession, transfer and carrying of automatic knives (switchblades). It also enacts knife law preemption repealing all local knife laws as well as preventing new ones from being enacted. The effective date of HB33 is September 18, 2013.
At the invitation of Governor Parnell, Knife Rights Director of Legislative Affairs, Todd Rathner (far right in photos), attended the signing ceremony in Palmer, Alaska.
Knife Rights would like to thank Governor Parnell for recognizing and expanding the rights of everyday Alaskans as well as the millions who visit Alaska every year to hunt, fish and recreate. We would also like to thank the sponsors of the HB33, Representative Mark Neumann and Senator Fred Dyson, for sponsoring this important legislation.Knife Rights would also like to thank Pro-Tech Knives for their support in helping to pass this legislation.
With Governor Parnell’s signature, all of Knife Rights legislation passed this year has now been signed into law. Alaska becomes the 7th state to enact Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption.
Knife Rights Scorecard This Year:
May 13, 2013: Indiana Governor Mike Pence has signed HB1563 which repeals the state’s irrational ban on switchblade knives. The new law takes effect on July 1, 2013.
Please note that this repeal did not include Knife Law Preemption, we’re going to see about that next time around, so any local laws banning switchblades are still in effect.
Thanks again to Senators Jim Tomes and Johnny Nugent for their tireless efforts working with Knife Rights to pass this repeal.
Dec. 3, 2012: In a victory for law-abiding knife owners, the California Court of Appeals last week reversed a lower court’s absurd expansive ruling that a knife that could be “wrist-flicked” open was a “switchblade.” The lower court made the faulty ruling despite an explicit provision in California law that distinguishes and protects one-hand opening and assisted-opening knives with a bias towards closure and despite prior Appellate Court rulings upholding that exception. These common folding knives represent over 80% of the U.S. market and the legislature clearly wanted them to be legal when they clarified the original switchblade law.:
Click on “Read More>>>>” for additional details and a link to the judge’s well-written opinion.
Doug Ritter, Chairman of Knife Rights, presented the Third Annual Sharper Future™ Awards at BLADE Show in Atlanta, Georgia, June 9, 2012.
Georgia State Senator William “Bill” Heath was the recipient of the Freedom’s Edge™ award given to honor a local, state or national elected representative who has demonstrated their commitment to a Sharper Future™ by leadership in the fight to protect or enhance our knife rights.
Mike “Mikey” Vellekamp was the recipient of the Freedom’s Point™ award to honor an individual citizen or citizens who demonstrated their commitment to a Sharper Future™ by leadership in the fight to protect or enhance our knife rights.
Blaine Smith, an associate editor at America’s 1st Freedom Magazine, was the recipient of the Freedom’s Voice™ award given to honor a journalist or journalistic team in general media that has demonstrated a commitment to fair, accurate and insightful coverage on an issue involving knife ownership.
Roger Claunch is the recipient of the Freedom’s Guardian™ Award given to honor a production knife manufacturer or industry partner that has demonstrated their commitment to a Sharper Future™ by their support of the fight to protect or enhance our knife rights.
Jason Hobbs is the recipient of the inaugural Carry a Knife – Save a Life™ Award which is to be given annually to honor an individual citizen who has used their every-day-carry (EDC) knife to save a life, demonstrating the practical advantages to always carrying a knife in order to be prepared for situations when a knife is invaluable, up to and including saving lives.
For full details, please click on “Read More >>>>” link below.
Knife Rights was presented with a 2012 Industry Achievement Award by Blade Magazine at the annual Blade Magazine Knife-Of-The-Year Awards Banquet at BLADE Show in Atlanta, Georgia. Knife Rights was recognized for its “diligence in working to have pro-knife legislation passed in a number of states this year,” said Blade Magazine editor, Steve Shackleford. Managing Editor Joe Joe Kertzman noted, “the legislative offensive mounted… this year has been nothing short of historic.”
Doug Ritter, Knife Rights chairman, said, “Knife Rights is honored to be recognized for our achievements in defending knife owners’ rights. We sincerely appreciate the support from individuals and industry that has allowed us to make great strides this year.”
May 5, 2012: With encouragement from your phone calls, emails and letters, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal has signed the single most important bill for knife owners and the knife industry to pass this year. With his signature, Knife Rights’ drafted SB432 establishes knife law preemption in Georgia, effectively repealing draconian restrictions on knife ownership, sales and manufacturing in cities like Atlanta, home of BLADE Show, the world’s largest knife show.
Please note that this new Knife Preemption Law does not go into effect until July 1, 2012, so BLADE Show attendees should remain cautious this year as the old laws remain in effect until July 1st.
For full details on Georgia’s Knife Preemption Law, click on Read More >>>>
March 6, 2012: The Alaska House of Representatives has unanimously passed HB55 “Definitions of Gravity Knives and Switchblades,” referred to by sponsor Rep. Mark Neuman as the “Knife Rights Bill.” HB55 would clarify state law on the subject of assisted-opening and one-hand opening knives to ensure they are not considered gravity knives or switchblades, currently banned under Alaska statute. At Knife Rights’ request, the bill was amended to include Knife Law Preemption which would make knife laws consistent across Alaska. HB55 is now in the Alaska Senate where it has been referred to the Judiciary Committee.
If you live, work or travel in Alaska, please contact the Judiciary Committee members and ask them to vote in support of HB55. Click here to contact the Judiciary Committee members.
Doug Ritter, Chairman of Knife Rights, presented the Second Annual Sharper Future™ Awards at BLADE Show in Atlanta, Georgia, June 11, 2011.
Utah State Representative Ryan D. Wilcox was the recipient of the Freedom’s Edge™ award given to honor a local, state or national elected representative who has demonstrated their commitment to a Sharper Future™ by leadership in the fight to protect or enhance our knife rights.
Cam Hughes and Jim Brown were the recipient of the Freedom’s Point™ award to honor an individual citizen or citizens who demonstrated their commitment to a Sharper Future™ by leadership in the fight to protect or enhance our knife rights.
Claire Wolfe, a columnist for SWAT Magazine, was the recipient of the Freedom’s Voice™ award given to honor a journalist or journalistic team in general media that has demonstrated a commitment to fair, accurate and insightful coverage on an issue involving knife ownership.
Rod and Peggy Bremer are the recipients of the inaugural Freedom’s Guardian™ Award given to honor a production knife manufacturer or industry partner that has demonstrated their commitment to a Sharper Future™ by their support of the fight to protect or enhance our knife rights.
For full details, please click on “Read More >>>>” link below. You can view the award presentations in the video.
Sandy Froman, past president of the National Rifle Association and one of the nation’s foremost Second Amendment activists, will be the keynote speaker at Knife Rights’ Second Annual Sharper Futureâ„¢ Awards Breakfast to be held June 11th during BLADE Show in Atlanta, Georgia. (Purchase tickets below.)
Froman will speak on “How To Win a Knife Fight–Lessons Learned in the Crucible of the Second Amendment”
Sandy Froman was President of the National Rifle Association of America (“NRA”) from 2005-2007.
You Can Make a Difference!
Second Front™ Legislative Campaign
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Supports National Knife Law Preemption Campaign and legislative initiatives to decriminalize knife possession and restrictive knife laws.
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Defender ( $500 )
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Protector ( $100 )
Keeper ( $50 )
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OR Enter Donation Amount
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Knife Rights, Inc. is a an Arizona non-profit corporation with IRS 501(c)(4) tax-exempt status.
Dear Knife Enthusiast:
Today, in many parts of the world, knife ownership and carry is severely restricted. In many so-called civilized nations the one-hand opening, lock blade pocket knives that represent 80% of the knives sold in the U.S. today are either outlawed entirely or their carry is illegal except in very restricted circumstances. Even simple non-locking traditional pocketknives are illegal in some places or their length severely restricted.
If you don’t believe that these sorts of restrictions common elsewhere in the world cannot come to the U.S.
Second Front™ Legislative Campaign
Major Donor Giving Levels
Supports National Knife Law Preemption Campaign and legislative initiatives to decriminalize knife possession and restrictive knife laws.
Platinum ( $30,000 )
Gold ( $20,000 )
Silver ( $15,000 )
Tungsten ( $10,000 )
Titanium ( $7,500 )
Bronze ( $5,000 )
Guardian ( $2,500 )
Sentinel ( $1,000 )
Defender ( $500 )
Knife Rights, Inc. is a an Arizona non-profit corporation with IRS 501(c)(4) tax-exempt status. Contributions to Knife Rights, Inc. are not tax deductible because of its political and legislative advocacy.
The Knife Rights Foundation has successfully launched its Knife Rights Sharper Future Legal Fund™ with contributions from twelve industry leaders plus other donors, some anonymous. .
The Fund will be used to pursue litigation in support of knife owner civil rights, initially aimed at stopping New York County (Manhattan) District Attorney Cyrus Vance, Jr’s illegitimate assault on one-hand opening and assisted opening knives in New York City.
“This initial backing by leaders of the knife industry recognizes that knife owners do not take their civil rights lightly, that we have the will, and the means, to fight back,” said Knife Rights chairman Doug Ritter.
“I applaud these industry leaders who stepped up, as true leaders will in times of crisis, to jump-start the Fund.”
Platinum-level $30,000 donors include Benchmade Knife Co., Blue Ridge Knives, Taylor Brands and United Cutlery.
Gold $20,000 doors are Buck Knives and Columbia River Knife & Tool
Silver $15,000 donors are KnifeWorks.com and Wenger NA.
Smokey Mountain Knife Works is a Titanium donor at $7,500.
Bronze donors Ethan Becker and KA-BAR Knives each gave $5,000.
Additional money has been donated anonymously, including a $10,000 donation from an Internet knife retailer.
Said Knife Rights Chairman Doug Ritter, “Litigation is only one aspect of our efforts to protect your civil rights. With your continued support, you can be sure that Knife Rights will forge ahead with our legislative initiatives to enhance protections for knife owners in New York and throughout the U.S., with efforts to clarify or do away with restrictive knife laws and through our National Knife Law Preemption Campaign.
Read prior articles on the NYC DA Vance’s persecution of Knife Onwners:
Manhattan District Attorney Shakes Down Honest Knife Retailers
Knife Rights Contests DA’s Claims, Tactics in Knife Retailer Shakedown
Will DA Vance Arrest Stephen Colbert?
New Yorker Gives Thanks to Knife Rights Foundation
Please help us stop this insanity. Make a Contribution to our fight against the DA’s assault on our pocket knives.
Doug Ritter, Chairman of Knife Rights, presented Sharper Futureâ„¢ Awards to three recipients at the inaugural Sharper Futureâ„¢ Awards Breakfast at BLADE Show in Atlanta, Georgia.
New Hampshire State Representative Jenn Coffey was the recipient of the inaugural Freedom’s Edgeâ„¢ award given to honor a local, state or national elected representative who has demonstrated their commitment to a Sharper Futureâ„¢ by leadership in the fight to protect or enhance our knife rights.
Evan Nappen was the recipient of the inaugural Freedom’s Pointâ„¢ award to honor an individual citizen who has demonstrated their commitment to a Sharper Futureâ„¢ by leadership in the fight to protect or enhance our knife rights.
Sarah Buduson, a reporter for KPHO (CBS affiliate) in Phoenix, Arizona, was the recipient of the inaugural Freedom’s Voiceâ„¢ award given to honor a journalist or journalistic team in general media that has demonstrated a commitment to fair, accurate and insightful coverage on an issue involving knife ownership.
June 5, 2010: Knife Rights chairman Doug Ritter today announced the appointment of Todd Rathner as Director of Legislative Affairs at Knife Rights’ Sharper Future™ Awards Breakfast at the BLADE Show in Atlanta.
Ritter said, “It is indicative of our priorities to protect and expand knife owners’ rights that our first paid position is one to coordinate our aggressive legislative agenda. Todd proved his effectiveness this year in the successful passage of the Arizona Knife Preemption Law in Arizona, which launched our National Knife Law Preemption Campaign.”
(Final text of the law with the Governor’s requested amendments incorporated)
Section 1. Title 13, chapter 31, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by adding section 13-3120, to read:
13-3120. Knives regulated by state; state preemption; definitions
A. Except as provided in subsections C and D, a political subdivision of this state shall not enact any ordinance, rule or tax relating to the transportation, possession, carrying, sale, transfer, purchase, gift,
Prepared Testimony by Knife Rights Chairman Doug Ritter before the Arizona House Committee on Government, March 16, 2010
Mr. Chairman, members of the committee, my name is Doug Ritter and I am Chairman of Knife Rights and a resident of Gilbert, Arizona.
Knife Rights is an Arizona based, national 501(c)(4) GRASSROOTS member organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the rights of Knife Owners.
We started Knife Rights in 2006 after a highly inaccurate article appeared in the Wall Street Journal railing against so-called Tactical Knives and I had an epiphany.
Why did you form Knife Rights?
We organized Knife Rights in December of 2006 as a result of an article that appeared in the Wall Street Journal article (read the WSJ article in PDF format (1 MB download) or in standard web format as published in another paper). This article served as the catalyst that focused our attention on the threat. We recognized that those with an anti-knife agenda strategically planted the seeds for this article with a reporter they knew would likely end up writing it with the slant they were looking for.
