UPDATE (June 10, 2013) – With TSA’s decision to now not allow knives on airplanes, it is expected this bill will be allowed to die in committee.
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Cody, WY (April 19, 2013) – Thanks to Rep. Frank Foster for again championing the rights of knife owners in Michigan! The American Knife & Tool Institute supports Rep. Foster’s House Bill 4581 to allow individuals to possess or carry knives in a commercial airport according to the guidelines established by the Federal Transportation Security Administration.
This bill will amend 1945 PA 327 entitled the “Aeronautcis code of the state of Michigan” which prohibits a knife of any length blade from being allowed on a person in a commercial airport.
TSA’s announced new prohibited items guidelines effective April 25, 2013 will allow knives with blades shorter than 6 centimeters (no longer than 2.36 inches) and narrower than 1/2 inch at the widest part to be carried by passengers onboard commercial aircraft. See TSA Will Permit Pocket Knives Back on Passenger Planes for more details.
Without the passage of HB 4581 airline travelers going through Michigan commercial airports will be faced with more restrictive rules than other passengers. The American Knife & Tool Institute cautions travelers to exercise caution when traveling with your knife. It would be best to error on the safe side and put your knife in your checked baggage. The final decision rests with TSA on whether to allow any items, or persons for that matter, on the plane. Also, please note that some knives are illegal in certain states and passengers will be subject to state law. It is a passenger’s responsibility to be aware that origination and destination cities may have local laws prohibiting the possession of certain types of knives (whether you have carried it onboard or have it in your checked luggage). See Finding Knife Laws.
HB 4581 has been referred to the House Committee on Judiciary. Contact Judiciary Committee Chair Kevin Cotter and Committee Members and ask them to please vote to move this bill to the House.
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