Delaware General Assembly

Senate Judiciary 6/11/24

Awaiting consideration in Committee

6/11/24

Wilson

Rep. D. Short

Sen. Hocker, Lawson, Pettyjohn, Richardson
Rep. Dukes

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO KNIVES

This Act removes prohibitions in Title 11 of the Delaware code regarding owning or possessing certain types of folding knives that may be opened with one hand. So-called "switch blade knives", which are more appropriately called automatic knives, allow for easy deployment often by depressing a button. Such cutting implements are lawfully used as tools by many working in the trades, and are also popular amongst outdoor, hunting, and camping enthusiasts. Currently, despite common and myriad lawful purposes, such knives are treated as deadly weapons in Delaware and therefore subject otherwise law-abiding Delawareans engaging in law-abiding activities to criminal prosecution in the justice system. Removing the prohibitions would permit individuals to lawfully use such tools but would still subject them to prosecution for deadly weapons related offenses where an individual uses such an automatic knife in the course of an attack or assault aimed at causing death or serious injury.

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Takes effect upon being signed into law

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