Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, Mike Lee, and Cynthia Lummis have reintroduced the Knife Owners Protection Act (KOPA) to safeguard knife owners traveling across state lines from varying state and local laws. The legislation aims to ensure that if a knife is legally possessed in the state where the journey begins and ends, and if it is secured according to KOPA's requirements, the owner would not face arrest for interstate travel.

The Knife Owners Protection Act was first introduced in 2013 as the initial federal legislation supporting knife rights. This follows the Firearm Owner Protection Act of 1986, which provided similar protections for gun owners against inconsistent local laws.

Senator Cassidy stated, “Let’s make sure conflicting state laws are not the basis for arresting an honest American,” emphasizing that the bill seeks to remove uncertainty for travelers. Senator Lee added, “Patchwork and unclear knife laws across America endanger the rights of law-abiding knife owners, especially when traveling.” He highlighted that this legislation will offer clarity and consistency for those transporting knives between jurisdictions.

Doug Ritter, Chairman of Knife Rights, expressed concern over current laws: “Those who travel across the country with knives for work, recreation and self-defense are presently subject to arrest and prosecution under a confusing patchwork of inconsistent state and local laws.” Ritter noted that what is legal in one area may be illegal in another, leading to severe consequences including forfeiture of property and potential jail time.