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, owner of Pro-Tech Knives, who turned around this short notice special request, literally, overnight. These Pro-Tech Les George-designed SBR (Short Bladed Rockeye) autos are their newest introduction. (L-R: Rep. Casey Knudsen, Gov. Bullock and Ethan Becker – Inscribed Pro-Tech SBR below – click SBR image for higher resolution)
Also attending was activist Joe Paschal and ACLU of Montana Director of Advocacy and Policy S.K. Rossi.. Not in attendance was Knife Rights member and activist E.J. Redding, who went the extra mile for knife owners in Montana and played a critical role in this accomplishment. 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 and the Governor’s signature.
All involved also received one of the inscribed Pro-Tech SBRs in recognition of their vital assistance in getting HB155 enacted.
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, all existing local knife ordinances more restrictive than state law can no longer be enforced. Montana is the 11th state to enact Knife Law Preemption since Knife Rights’ signature effort started in 2010.
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.
Preemption prevents enforcement of existing local knife ordinances and prohibits new ordinances more restrictive than state law which only serve to confuse or entrap law-abiding citizens traveling within or through the state. Preemption ensures citizens can expect consistent enforcement of state knife laws everywhere in a state.
Since 2010 Knife Rights has been Rewriting Knife Law in America™ with 30 bills repealing knife bans enacted in 21 States, forging a Sharper Future for all Americans™. Knife Rights is the one getting it done™ for America’s knife owners and knifemakers.