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.

The American Knife & Tool Institute filed companion bills in the Texas Senate and House on March 13, 2009 to allow knife owners to carry knives used for hunting, fishing and on the job. The bills clarify that folding knives are legal to possess and carry in the state.