Legislation Would Allow Individuals to Carry Automatic Knives When in Possession of Their FOID Card
The American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI) today announced the Illinois Senate’s passage of Senate Bill 607, which repeals the prohibition of the possession of automatic knives when the individual also possesses a Firearm Owner’s Identification Card (FOID card). The legislation also allows an individual or entity to possess or carry an automatic knife without a FOID card if they are “engaged in the business of selling or manufacturing switchblade knives.” The bill, which was sponsored by Senators Tim Bivins, R-IL 45, and Neil Anderson, R-IL 36, now moves to the House, where it is sponsored by Representative Brian Stewart, R-IL 89, a well-respected Member of the Illinois House of Representatives. Representative Stewart is a retired Stephenson County Sheriff’s Deputy, businessman and Army Veteran.
“We’re thrilled to see Illinois follow the lead of so many states in recognizing that automatic knives are tools used everyday by tradesmens, outdoorsmen, hunters, and professionals,” said AKTI President CJ Buck. “We are happy to see SB 607 advance, and are grateful for the Legislature’s efforts to ensure automatic knives are made legally accessible to individuals.”
“This is a very positive development, and we are very grateful to Senators Bivins and Anderson, as well as Representative Stewart for their leadership,” said Jan Billeb, AKTI’s Executive Director. “However, more work remains to be done. This legislation is a step in the right direction, but AKTI believes that it leaves too many unnecessary restrictions in place. Knives are essential tools in each of our lives, and it stands to reason that not all knife owners and users are also firearm owners. At AKTI, we believe knives and firearms should be legislated separately, and knife owners should not be forced to register as firearms owners in order to legally carry their tool. We call on the Illinois Legislature to take this initiatve one step further, and ensure that owners of automatic knives are allowed to carry their knives legally within the state, and without the restriction of a FOID card.”