Law Shield recently
warned
its members that until September 1, they still have to obey tricky
local knife laws in Texas — especially if they live in or travel to San
Antonio and Corpus Christi.
Those two Texas cities were among the “10 Worst Anti-Knife Cities” in
America for 2014 — San Antonio at No. 4 and Corpus Christi at No. 9,
according to a national knife-rights organization.
U.S.
Law Shield and Texas Law Shield President Kirk Evans notified members
that strict local knife laws were still active in San Antonio and Corpus
Christi until a just-signed state preemption law takes effect on
September 1, 2015.
That should change in about two months because Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently signed the Knife Law Preemption bill (
HB 905), along with the more-heralded Open Carry and Campus Carry bills.
HB 905 preempts local knife ordinances that are more restrictive than
state law and ensures that the repeal of the Texas ban on switchblade
(automatic) knives will now be the law throughout the state.
Kirk Evans, president of Texas Law Shield and U.S. Law Shield, said,
“The new law goes into effect September 1. We advised all of our members
nationally that until the new law is in effect, they can still be
charged with violations under existing law. In particular, we warned
them about strict local laws in San Antonio and Corpus Christi.”
Abbott signed into law HB 905, which prohibits a city or county from
passing or enforcing knife laws more restrictive than state law. HB 905
simplifies the law for both travelers and law enforcement, ensuring that
a single, easily understood knife law applies statewide, Evans said.
The measure was promoted by Knife Rights, a grassroots knife owner’s
organization. Since 2010, Knife Rights has passed legislation
eliminating knife restrictions in 13 states. Knife Rights is also lead
plaintiff in a federal civil rights lawsuit against New York City over
their knife laws.
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.”
Knife Rights honored HB 905 sponsor Representative John Frullo
(R-Lubbock) with its 2015 Freedom’s Edge Award for his efforts in
passing HB 905. Texas Knife Rights supporter W. Scott Lewis was honored
with Knife Rights’ 2015 Freedom’s Point Award in part for his efforts
supporting passage of HB 905.
Strict local knife laws can confuse and entrap law-abiding citizens
traveling within a state, Evans said. Preemption ensures citizens can
expect consistent enforcement of knife laws throughout the state.
To review how the Texas Penal Code defines weapons (46.01), click
here. It’s also worth reviewing 46.035 and 46.03 at the same link.
