This legislation aims to establish a federal right for law-abiding citizens to transport knives across state lines, overriding a patchwork of conflicting State and local prohibitions. It broadly defines "transport" to include various stops and temporary lodging during a journey, but explicitly excludes transportation with the intent to commit a violent felony. This ensures individuals can travel without fear of violating local ordinances. To qualify for this protection, individuals must secure knives in specific ways: they must be inaccessible in motor vehicles or in locked containers, and in locked containers when transported by air or other means, and not in the passenger cabin of an aircraft. However, emergency knives designed for escape, such as those with blunt-tipped or guarded blades, may be carried in a vehicle's passenger compartment. The bill also provides legal safeguards, preventing arrest or detention for compliant individuals and allowing this Act to be asserted as a claim or defense in legal proceedings, with provisions for attorney's fees for prevailing parties.
Aviation and airportsCivil actions and liabilityIntergovernmental relationsLegal fees and court costsMotor vehiclesState and local government operations
Knife Owners’ Protection Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-60| House
| Updated: 3/25/2025
This legislation aims to establish a federal right for law-abiding citizens to transport knives across state lines, overriding a patchwork of conflicting State and local prohibitions. It broadly defines "transport" to include various stops and temporary lodging during a journey, but explicitly excludes transportation with the intent to commit a violent felony. This ensures individuals can travel without fear of violating local ordinances. To qualify for this protection, individuals must secure knives in specific ways: they must be inaccessible in motor vehicles or in locked containers, and in locked containers when transported by air or other means, and not in the passenger cabin of an aircraft. However, emergency knives designed for escape, such as those with blunt-tipped or guarded blades, may be carried in a vehicle's passenger compartment. The bill also provides legal safeguards, preventing arrest or detention for compliant individuals and allowing this Act to be asserted as a claim or defense in legal proceedings, with provisions for attorney's fees for prevailing parties.
Aviation and airportsCivil actions and liabilityIntergovernmental relationsLegal fees and court costsMotor vehiclesState and local government operations