A group representing AKTI met with key House committee and subcommittee staffers in September 2009 as part of a successful effort to amend the Federal Switchblade Act of 1958 and prevent U.S. Customs from banning the importation of assisted-opening knives.

Governor Perry signed AKTI-introduced legislation Texas HB 4456 on Thursday, June 18, 2009. It was law effective September 1, 2009.

AKTI releases sample letters to legislators and to U.S. Customs about their proposal to redefine the federal Switchblade Act. Letters are available as Microsoft Word documents and Rich Text format documents.

U.S. Customs’ proposal would redefine definition of a switchblade or automatic knife that has been in federal law since 1958.

AKTI sponsored bills in the Texas Legislature – TX S 2411 and TX H 4456 – to protect law-abiding knife owners in the state – have been assigned to committee.