Do you believe or have friends or customers who believe that there is a get-out-of-jail-free “Collector” exception to knife laws that otherwise prohibit certain knives? Some states do provide limited exceptions for antique weapons, including knives. But it is essential to Know Your Knife Laws – Collectors, and important for anyone who is the intended beneficiary of a curio or collection to understand the law.

We’ve been very busy the last month working on legislative initiatives with some success and some disappointment. AKTI continues to work in several states and on the federal level to make rational and reasonable changes to knife laws as efficiently as possible, maximizing the value of your membership dollars and contributions.

The most recent knife legislation status can always be found on our website at Follow Current Knife Legislation.

• Washington State – A disappointment. Despite the tremendous effort from our coalition headed by Mike Vellekamp of V Nives, HB 1244 died in committee for lack of a hearing being scheduled.
• Iowa – HB 250 would remove penalties for concealed carry unless the knife is used in criminal activity.
• Michigan – HB 4066 would enact statewide knife preemption.
• Minnesota – A constitutional amendment has been introduced to enact the right to bear arms, including knives specifically referenced.
• North Dakota – AKTI provided written testimony supporting HB 1339 to remove name-based restrictions, including automatic knives. Another disappointment – it was delayed by referring it to a legislative staff study.
• Ohio – Success! SB 140, which allows the sale and manufacture of automatics and clarifies that a concealed knife is not a weapon unless used as such, will be effective April 12, 2021.
• South Carolina – HB 3551 to add knives to the existing firearms preemption legislation – a continuation of previous efforts since 2012.
• Vermont – HB 201 was refiled to allow the sale and possession of automatic knives without a less than 3″ blade length restriction. HB 254 to enact statewide knife preemption was introduced.
• Federal Initiatives continue to repeal the 1958 Federal Switchblade Act and protect traveling knife users.

We’re very grateful for the individuals helping on the ground in states, legislators willing to listen and act, and groups and other supporters lending their backing to our efforts. Legislative initiatives are truly a team sport!

A quick reminder to our industry members – email your press releases for AKTI’s Industry News section and post your job openings on the Career Center.

Carry With Confidence,

Jan Bileb
Executive Director

View Linked Article