BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1862

By: Dutton

Criminal Jurisprudence

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

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.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1862 amends the Penal Code to remove a switchblade knife from the weapons of which the intentional or knowing possession, manufacture, transportation, repair, or sale is prohibited. The bill makes a technical correction.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2013.