Knife Rights' Montana Switchblade Ban Repeal & Knife Law Preemption Bill Passed - Now to Governor

[critter]

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.

We sincerely appreciate the support at the legislature from Knife Rights member E.J. Redding and ACLU of Montana Director of Advocacy and Policy S.K. Rossi. Also supporting the bill were the Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association, Montana County Attorneys Association, Montana Association of Counties and Montana League of Cities and Towns. We also appreciate the assistance of Montana activist Joe Paschal.

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 signature Knife Law Preemption effort started with enactment of the nation’s first Knife Law Preemption bill in Arizona in 2010. In total, ten states have now enacted Knife Rights’ Knife Law Preemption bills. If the Montana governor signs this bill, that will make eleven.

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 29 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.

[crazywednesday]

I wish this would happen in Washington, but more than half the people in this state prefer it to be a nanny state. The state government prefers it too!

[critter]

I wish this would happen in Washington, but more than half the people in this state prefer it to be a nanny state. The state government prefers it too!

The Washington “Spring Blade” Ban Repeal bill, SB 5782, was passed by the Senate 46-1. SB 5782 would repeal the ban on sales and civilian possession of “spring blade” knives, as well as specifically exclude them from the definition of “dangerous weapon.” The bill is now up for consideration in the House.

The unanimous “do pass” recommendation from the Senate Committee on Law & Justice paved the way for the bill’s overwhelming passage. A critical element in moving the bill out of committee with a unanimous vote was Knife Rights Director of Legislative Affairs Todd Rathner’s testimony about the important Criminal Justice Reform aspects of this bill. He pointed out to the Committee that a disproportionate number of minorities are the targets of law enforcement for simply carrying a pocket knife.

As we have in other states, Knife Rights was successful in securing support for the bill from the Washington Chapter of the ACLU, which was another element in securing this unanimous vote.

Todd was in WA last week lobbying for this bill and is in WA this week to testify before the House Judiciary Committee as we continue to lead the way in rewriting knife law in America. Knife Right is the one getting it done for America's knife owners.

[Sjucaveman]

I keep hoping for Minnesota's chance.

[critter]

I keep hoping for Minnesota's chance.

It is on the list. Every state we get done helps when trying to get remaining states done.

[Sjucaveman]

I keep hoping for Minnesota's chance.

It is on the list. Every state we get done helps when trying to get remaining states done.

I get that, I just want to be able to carry whatever knife I choose. I really do appreciate all your hard work and countless hours you put into making knife laws more like they should be.

[critter]

Thanks! Just want you and everyone else to know that if we haven't yet got your state done, it's not because we aren't trying at every opportunity. Can't turn around 50 or a hundred years of stupid knife laws overnight. Again, thanks for your support.