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I was wondering if Charles or someone else has any ideas on a Rep or Senator who would be friendly to the idea of writing some bills expanding our knife rights here in Texas for this session. There has been a trend in a few states in recent years of making automatic knives (switchblades) legal. The laws that outlawed such knives are remnants from the 1950's, and I would love Texas to do something about it. I personally find it a bit ridiculous that I can carry a handgun but not an automatic knife in my state. Since assisted open knives are legal (which has also been clarified on the federal level, which is great), I see no reason autos shouldn't also be legal. In a practical sense, there really is no difference. New Hampshire, of all places, recently changed state law allowing automatic knives to be carried.

Also Arizona recently made there state knife laws pre-emtive. I actually assumed it was that way in Texas (as state gun laws are) until I recently read that San Antonio outlaws pocket knives with a blade that locks (which are 99.9% of pocket knives). To have one for actual use that didn't lock would be a pretty dangerous tool (to the user) to use. I'd like to see the law in Texas change so cities can't outlaw knives that would otherwise be legal under state law (as our gun laws in the state are written).

I'm a huge supporter of gun rights and went on an all out phone call, flyer hand out, and letter writing campaign in '09 for campus and parking lot carry. I was on the phone with Alice Tripp (TSRA lobbyist) every few days getting updates. She is great btw. I passed out flyers to dozens of people (that had all the bill info and rep and senator contact info on them). I also got two local gun stores to put the flyers I made in their stores for customers to take copies. I'll do the same this time around. I just feel like our rights where knives are concerned often get overlooked. I wouldn't even be totally opposed to a Florida model that has a concealed WEAPONS permit, where one can carry things along with their handgun like auto knives or batons.

I know I'm preaching to the choir here. I just wanted to know if anyone has any ideas on who might write such a bill or bills. I plan to contact my rep and Senator, but neither seem to be too friendly to the cause. Senator Steve Ogden voted against Campus carry in '09. He insisted on the Petroleum company exemption to parking lot carry ( Senate version of the bill ) when it was in committee. I'm not sure I'll get very far with him.

Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.