The bill would amend the Penal Code to eliminate the offense of possessing, manufacturing, transporting, repairing, or selling a switchblade knife.  Under current law this offense is a Class A misdemeanor.  A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by confinement in county jail for a term not to exceed one year and/or a fine not to exceed $4,000.

The bill's provisions eliminate the penalty for certain offenses involving a switchblade knife.  This penalty adjustment is expected to decrease demands on county correctional resources by decreasing the number of offenders eligible for community supervision and for confinement in county jails. It is assumed that the number of offenders supervised or incarcerated under this statute would not significantly impact state correctional agency resources.  

In fiscal year 2012, there were 2,043 arrests and 541 community supervision placements for the offense of possessing, manufacturing, transporting, repairing, or selling a switchblade knife or knuckles.  Data is not available to determine the number of these offenses that involved a switchblade knife and not knuckles.