switchblade
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Proposed Bill Would Make Switchblade Knives Legal in Michigan

Michigan could make switchblade knives legal for everyone.

Currently in Michigan, if you want to own a switchblade knife, you have to be law enforcement or military—or missing an arm or hand.

Republican Senator Rick Jones thinks these legal restrictions are no longer necessary and is looking to repeal it with his introduction of Senate Bill 245.

"For years we've had on the books it's a violation to have a knife with a mechanical way of opening it," Jones said. "And this has led to a lot of people being charged with a one-year, high misdemeanor and it really isn't necessary."

The bill will be in a hearing next week. Jones said many police and prosecutors are already not enforcing the law. In fact, many residents aren't aware of the state's laws against the knives.

"So many people out there have them in their pocket right now and don't realize they're going to get in trouble in some areas of the state," Jones said.

Many states seem to be striking down or at least considering eliminating switchblade bans from their laws in recent years. Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker cited similar reasons to Jones when he overturned a law on them last February.

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