Bill Analysis
This bill would reform certain knife related criminal offenses. The term “illegal knife” would be replaced in statute with the term “location-restricted knife” which is a knife with a blade over five and one half inches. Under current law, it is considered a third-degree felony to carry an illegal knife. If this bill passes, it would be considered a Class C misdemeanor to carry a location-restricted knife in public. However, the consequence for carrying a location-restricted knife in a prohibited location would be a third-degree felony.
In addition, a person would commit an offense if they intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carry a location-restricted knife, and if they are under the age of 18, and if they are not on certain property or under the supervision of their parent or legal guardian. This crime would be punishable as a Class C misdemeanor.
Vote Recommendation Notes
We support HB 1935 because it promotes individual liberty and limited government by scaling back some onerous and arbitrary knife related criminal offenses. We preferred an earlier version of this legislation that went much further, however we do continue to support this bill as a step in the right direction.
