Share:
House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | April 21, 2021 02:46 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Martin T. Causer |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Amend the prohibited offensive weapons statute regarding automatic knives |
| In the near future, I intend to introduce legislation that amends Title 18 (Crimes Code) to eliminate the antiquated criminalization of automatic knives in Pennsylvania. Currently, Section 908 of the Crimes Code prohibits individuals from repairing, selling, dealing, using or possessing an “offensive weapon.” Offensive weapon is defined to include a wide range of inherently dangerous weapons such as bombs, grenades, and machine guns. However, it also includes knives which feature one-hand push-button operation, also known as automatic knives. These knives are commonly used by outdoor enthusiasts like hunters, boaters, hikers and tradespeople like contractors, landscapers and mechanics. Public misconception of automatic knives as used predominately by criminals in the 1950s led many states such as Pennsylvania to enact legislation to restrict even merely possessing them. Recently, twenty-three states have repealed or revised laws regarding the sale and possession of automatic knives paving the way for their use in constructive daily work and recreational activities. As a result, Pennsylvania is among just seven states that still criminalize the mere possession of an automatic knife. Under my legislation, Pennsylvania’s prohibited offensive weapons statute would be amended to remove the current language which prohibits the use and possession of automatic knives. Importantly, the Crimes Code, under its Possessing an Instrument of Crime statute, would still prohibit possessing an automatic knife with the intent to employ it criminally. This ensures statutory mechanisms remain in place to continue to protect the community while allowing my legislation to remove an outdated restriction on law-abiding people. Please join me in co-sponsoring in this important legislation. |
Introduced as HB1929