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Keeping Knives in American Lives Since 1998

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Keeping Knives in American Lives Since 1998

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Alaska Knife Bill Moves Forward to Clarify Definitions

March 8, 2012

From the office of Rep. Mark Neuman –
HB 55 Defines Some Pocket Knives Separate from Switchblades
Juneau, AK (March 8, 2012) – Owners of everyday pocket and utility knives stand to gain greater legal protection under a bill passed by the Alaska House Monday.

House Bill 55, sponsored by Rep. Mark Neuman, clarifies the definition in state statute of which knives do not qualify as switchblades, which are illegal.

“Spring-loaded knives and other one-handed knives that have a bias towards closure are an important tool for Alaska hunters, anglers and many craftsman,” Neuman, R-Su-Valley, said. “Many of us carry and use knives every day, and some mechanisms like being spring-loaded don’t make our knives switchblades. We shouldn’t be punished nor have our tools, which can be just as expensive as other implements, subject to seizure or forfeiture.”

Neuman said the bill’s goal is to provide clarity for the courts, who’ve struggled in cases in the past when defining certain knives. The bill also includes pre-emptive language reserving the state’s right to regulate the issue and guard against local laws as pocket knife owners travel around the state.
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HB 55 is now being considered by the Alaska Senate Judiciary Committee. Please contact the Committee to vote in support of HB 55.

If you live, work, travel or are in a knife business in Alaska, this bill is for your benefit. Find your legislator on the Alaska Legislature website. Contact them today to support your rights to carry and use knives by using the email link on the website.

More information about Rep. Neuman and AKTI’s effort to protect the rights of Alaskans to use the knife of their choice.

Understanding Bias Toward Closure

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