Montana – -(AmmoLand.com)- Tuesday afternoon in Helena, Montana Governor Steve Bullock held a signing ceremony for Knife Rights’ Montana Switchblade Ban Repeal and Knife Law Preemption bill, HB 155.
Knife Rights Board member Ethan Becker attended representing Knife Rights. Ethan presented the Governor his first ever automatic knife, a specially inscribed Protech SBR, as an award in recognition of his signing of the bill.
We’d like to acknowledge our good friend Dave Wattenberg, owner of Pro-Tech Knives, who turned around this short notice special request, literally, overnight. These Pro-Tech Les George-designed SBR (Short Bladed Rockeye) autos are their newest introduction.
Also attending was activist Joe Paschal and ACLU of Montana Director of Advocacy and Policy S.K. Rossi.. Not in attendance was Knife Rights member and activist E.J. Redding, who went the extra mile for knife owners in Montana and played a critical role in this accomplishment. Bill sponsor Rep. Casey Knudsen worked closely with Knife Rights’ Director of Legislative Affairs, Todd Rathner, on HB155, and deserves our gratitude for his significant efforts which resulted in the bill’s passage and the Governor’s signature.
All involved also received one of the inscribed Pro-Tech SBRs in recognition of their vital assistance in getting HB155 enacted.
With the repeal of the state’s prior restriction on switchblades, automatic knives are now completely legal in Montana. Montana is the 16th state to repeal its ban on switchblade (automatic) knives since Knife Rights started in 2010.
With Knife Law Preemption enacted, all existing local knife ordinances more restrictive than state law can no longer be enforced. Montana is the 11th state to enact Knife Law Preemption since Knife Rights’ signature effort started in 2010.
This effort follows up on 2017’s repeal of the prohibition against concealed carry without a CCW of “a knife with blade 4 or more inches in length” as well as removing Dirks, Daggers, Sword Canes, razors, “billy” and “knuckles” from the items prohibited from concealed carry.
Preemption prevents enforcement of existing local knife ordinances and prohibits new ordinances more restrictive than state law which only serve to confuse or entrap law-abiding citizens traveling within or through the state. Preemption ensures citizens can expect consistent enforcement of state knife laws everywhere in a state.
About Knife Rights :
Knife Rights (www.KnifeRights.org) is America’s Grassroots Knife Owners Organization, working towards a Sharper Future for all knife owners. Knife Rights is dedicated to providing knife owners an effective voice in public policy. Become a Knife Rights member and make a contribution to support the fight for your knife rights. Visit www.kniferights.org
What started in New Hampshire back in 2010 has spread all the way to the great state of Montana. God it is good to see freedom spread. Thank you to the Patriots that got the ball rolling in New Hampshire to everyone mentioned in this article!
Do this at the Federal level with our 2nd Amendment.
“Anything more restrictive than the Constitution by lower states is null and void.”
Now we need to get the Montana Constitutional Carry bill passed (With Preemption Enacted) that has been killed by the Governor in office at each time in the past when it was approved by the Legislature…. The people HAVE SPOKEN…
The truth is, automatic knives (switchblades) and butterfly knives, which authorities get all hot and bothered about, are more dangerous to the user or carrier than any potential danger to the public. The one experience I had with a switchblade knife (checking it out at an emporium in Mexico), I nearly injured myself.
The absurdity of having a permit to carry a concealed firearm
of any and all calibers, while being prohibited from carrying a
knife with an automatic opening system, defies all logic.
Great another pro arms win.
So you’re another one of those dumbasses that thinks criminals would ever abide by any laws at all and wants to restrict law-abiding citizens from protecting themselves. I hope you intend on taking away cars so drunk drivers can never kill anybody and I hope you take away pencils and blame them for misspelled words. I cannot believe how ignorant people that want to take weapons away from law-abiding citizens can possibly be. When will you ever get it through your ignorant heads that criminals do not abide by laws!
I think it is a great win for pro arms people, as well. Your comment suggests that you think the post you replied to is sarcasm. I certainly did not, but even if I had, I would have eschewed a diatribe such as yours just in case I was mistaken.
I hope you have more restraint and discernment when you are carrying than you displayed here.
I agree with “Lee”, perhaps you should have offered a question inquiring whether the comment was serious or sarcastic before blathering on.