Critter
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- Mar 23, 2003
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On Monday, January, 30th, the amended version of HB 2347 passed the House Judiciary Committee with a unanimous vote. Now it moves to the Rules Committee. Meanwhile, SB 6179 has been scheduled for Senate Judiciary Committee Executive Session for today, where it is expected to be amended in like manner and likely pass out of the committee.
Last week Knife Rights' Director of Legislative Affairs, Todd Rathner, gave testimony at the state capitol in Olympia, Washington, in support of two similar pro-knife bills. Senate Bill 6179 and House Bill 2347 would clarify the definition of a switchblade so as to not include assisted-opening knives that are currently adversely interpreted as being illegal in the state. These bills also make it legal to manufacture spring-assisted and switchblade knives in the state of Washington. In addition, they would expand the existing law enforcement exemption for possession of "spring blade knives" (switchblades) to members of the military and full-time first responders.
Knife Rights worked with Washington knife manufacturers, Fox USA, Blade-Tech, and SOG, to make necessary changes to ensure the bills would accomplish their aims. Todd was also able to get on the record in both houses stating KR's strong support for these measures.
Initially, HB 2347 was drafted with a provision which would allow Concealed Pistol License (CPL) holders to carry switchblades, while the Senate bill did not include this provision. We are disappointed that this provision did not survive the hearing. Unfortunately, it was made clear that if it was retained, the bill would not pass out of committee.Ultimately, HB 2347 was amended in executive session to strike the provision allowing CPL holders to possess automatic knives.
While Knife Rights does not believe there should be any distinction between citizens and government employees when it comes to possessing life saving tools, we also understand political reality. We will be working with Washington state residents and officials to change this in the future when the political landscape is more favorable to such a rational move forward.
Meanwhile, the current bills are a huge step forward for Washington knife owners who might be subject to prosecution for assisted-opening knives and for knife manufacturers located in the state. Passage of either of these bills would create skilled, well-paid jobs, generate tax revenue for the state and increase the number of knives that say "Made in America."
We would like to recognize Mike Vellekamp, one of the owners of Fox Knives USA, who spearheaded the effort to get these bills going. If it were not for his initiative and hard work, things would not be moving forward for knife owners and manufacturers in Washington state.
If you live, work or travel in Washington state, please contact BOTH your Senator and Representative in Olympia and ask them to support SB 1234 and HB 2347, respectively. To locate your legislators, or the legislators who represent where you work or travel: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/Default.aspx
Last week Knife Rights' Director of Legislative Affairs, Todd Rathner, gave testimony at the state capitol in Olympia, Washington, in support of two similar pro-knife bills. Senate Bill 6179 and House Bill 2347 would clarify the definition of a switchblade so as to not include assisted-opening knives that are currently adversely interpreted as being illegal in the state. These bills also make it legal to manufacture spring-assisted and switchblade knives in the state of Washington. In addition, they would expand the existing law enforcement exemption for possession of "spring blade knives" (switchblades) to members of the military and full-time first responders.
Knife Rights worked with Washington knife manufacturers, Fox USA, Blade-Tech, and SOG, to make necessary changes to ensure the bills would accomplish their aims. Todd was also able to get on the record in both houses stating KR's strong support for these measures.
Initially, HB 2347 was drafted with a provision which would allow Concealed Pistol License (CPL) holders to carry switchblades, while the Senate bill did not include this provision. We are disappointed that this provision did not survive the hearing. Unfortunately, it was made clear that if it was retained, the bill would not pass out of committee.Ultimately, HB 2347 was amended in executive session to strike the provision allowing CPL holders to possess automatic knives.
While Knife Rights does not believe there should be any distinction between citizens and government employees when it comes to possessing life saving tools, we also understand political reality. We will be working with Washington state residents and officials to change this in the future when the political landscape is more favorable to such a rational move forward.
Meanwhile, the current bills are a huge step forward for Washington knife owners who might be subject to prosecution for assisted-opening knives and for knife manufacturers located in the state. Passage of either of these bills would create skilled, well-paid jobs, generate tax revenue for the state and increase the number of knives that say "Made in America."
We would like to recognize Mike Vellekamp, one of the owners of Fox Knives USA, who spearheaded the effort to get these bills going. If it were not for his initiative and hard work, things would not be moving forward for knife owners and manufacturers in Washington state.
If you live, work or travel in Washington state, please contact BOTH your Senator and Representative in Olympia and ask them to support SB 1234 and HB 2347, respectively. To locate your legislators, or the legislators who represent where you work or travel: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/Default.aspx