Summary of Tennessee 2013 Knife Law Changes
Effective July 1, 2013
- Knife Preemption – See About Knife Preemption for more information
SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-17-1314, is amended by adding the following new subsection:
(e) It is the intent of the general assembly that this part is preemptive with respect to the transfer, ownership, possession or transportation of knives and no city, county, or metropolitan government shall occupy any part of the field of regulation of the transfer, ownership, possession or transportation of knives.
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Tennessee Governor Signs Knife Preemption Bill
UPDATE (May 17, 2013) – Governor Bill Haslam has signed legislation that adds Tennessee to the list of states that have agreed that knife laws in cities and municipalities, in addition to state laws, are too confusing and an undue burden on knife owners. Knife preemption will repeal city ordinances such as in Memphis and Knoxville, and prevent municipalities from enacting any new knife laws more restrictive than the Tennessee state law.
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Tennessee HB 581 – SB 1015 Amended Again! and Passed
UPDATE (April 19, 2013) – Tennessee HB 581-SB 1015 has passed both houses with agreed amendment and is waiting for Governor Bill Haslom’s signature. The resulting bill with Amendment 2 will enact knife preemption (see below for more information). All legislation to remove switchblades prohibitions and the 4″ blade restriction were removed after various objections were raised and a Corrected Summary of Original Bill was released on March 25, 2013.
Once signed, the bill will be effective July 1, 2013. It will amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-17-1314 with the new subsection:
(e) It is the intent of the general assembly that this part is preemptive with respect to the transfer, ownership, possession or transportation of knives and no city, county, or metropolitan government shall occupy any part of the field of regulation of the transfer, ownership, possession or transportation of knives.
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Tennessee Bills Amended
UPDATE (March 11, 2013) – Amendment 1 to the two Tennessee bills introduced will eliminate Section 5 of HB 581 and SB 1015 so that the repeal of laws against switchblades on educational institutions is not included.
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Two Identical Knife Bills Introduced in the Volunteer State
Cody, WY (February 6, 2013) – Two identical knife bills have been introduced in Tennessee to accomplish three changes to the Volunteer State’s knife regulation. First, several provisions regarding switchblades would be repealed, second, the prohibition against carrying or possessing an knife with a blade length greater than four inches would be removed, and third, knife preemption would be enacted.
HB 581 introduced by Representative Vance Dennis (R-71) and SB 1015 introduced by Senator Mike Bell (4-9) would make positive changes for knife owners. To follow what the bill will do you need to view the Tennessee Code Sections referenced available on LexixNexis.
Here’s a summary:
- Repeals felony to possess, manufacture, transport, repair or sell a switchblade knife
- Reclassifies the misdemeanor class for selling, loaning or gifting a switchblade to a minor
- Repeals misdemeanor for carrying or possessing a knife with a blade over 4 inches
- Repeals felony to possess or carry a switchblade knife on various public or private educational institutions
- Permits residents to purchase switchblade knife and have it shipped to their residence
- Enacts state preemption over any city, county, or metropolitan government with respect to any regulation of the transfer, ownership, possession or transportation of knives. See About Knife Preemption for more information.
A quick review of city ordinances shows Memphis and Knoxville both have regulations regarding knives, however, they include “intent to go armed.”
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