This thing flew right under the radar. Even Governor Perry didn't boast about it in his bills signed page even though he signed it into law last June. (It went into effect on 9/1/2013.)
HB 1862 basically decriminalized the possession of a switchblade knife. Here's what the bill's author, Harold V. Dutton, Jr., had to say about it in the official bill analysis:
Interested parties report that the development of switchblade knives centuries ago came about when farmers, ranchers, hunters, or outdoorsmen needed a compact pocket knife that could be quickly engaged at any given moment. However, a national campaign during the twentieth century based on newspaper reports labeling the switchblade knife as a symbol of youthful, evil intent and urban youth gang warfare resulted in Texas outlawing the switchblade knife and placing it on the list of prohibited weapons in state statutes. Critics argue that there is no evidence that switchblade knives represent a danger to the general public. H.B. 1862 seeks to address this issue by removing the switchblade knife from the prohibited weapons list.
H.B. 1862 amends current law relating to the criminal consequences of engaging in certain conduct with respect to a switchblade knife.
"The switchblade knife as a symbol of youthful, evil intent and urban youth gang warfare..."? Well, here's what I have to say about that. When you're a Jet you're a Jet all the way from your first cigarette til your last dying day.
Via KnifeRights.org.
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