Knife Owners’ Protection Act of 2025

Protection for Travelers: Individuals transporting knives across different States will have the right to do so despite local or State laws, provided they follow specific storage requirements (Section 2(b)).

Emergency Safety: People can carry specific emergency knives or tools designed for cutting safety belts in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle without needing a locked container (Section 2(c)(1)).

Protection from Unlawful Detention: Individuals complying with the transport requirements cannot be arrested or detained due to State or local knife laws, unless there is probable cause that they failed to follow the requirements of this Act (Section 2(e)).

Legal Recourse and Defense: Citizens can use this Act as a claim or defense in legal proceedings, and the burden of proof in criminal cases falls on the State to prove the individual was not in compliance (Section 2(f)).

Recovery of Legal Costs: Individuals who successfully assert their rights under this Act may be awarded reasonable attorney's fees (Section 2(g)(2)).

Restrictions on Air Travel: When traveling by air, knives must be kept in a locked container and cannot be in the passenger cabin (Section 2(b)(2)).

Exclusions for Emergency Tools on Planes: The exception allowing emergency escape tools to be carried in the passenger compartment does not apply to aircraft where passengers are subject to airport screening by the TSA (Section 2(c)(2)).

Storage Requirements for Motor Vehicles: For those traveling by motor vehicle, knives must not be directly accessible from the passenger compartment, or must be kept in a locked container, glove compartment, or console if no separate compartment exists (Section 2(b)(1)).

Intent-Based Exceptions: The protections do not apply if an individual is transporting knives with the intent to commit specific offenses involving force or with knowledge that such an offense is likely to occur during the journey (Section 2(a)(2)(B)).