Texas Gov. Abbott signs law lifting ban on brass knuckles, kitty keychains and clubs
Updated May 29, 2019 with details about Gov. Greg Abbott signing the bill into law.
AUSTIN — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has signed a bill into law lifting the state's ban on brass knuckles, kitty keychains and other self defense items.
Abbott signed House Bill 446 on Saturday; the new law will go into effect on Sept. 1, 2019. Bill author Rep. Joe Moody, D-El Paso, said lifting the ban was "another step" toward getting rid of "antiquated laws regarding weapons."Previously, July 15, 2017:
"We did it with switchblades. We did it with knives and now with knuckles," Moody said on May 15, when the Texas Senate gave the bill final passage. "Hopefully, now, with this on the way to the governor, we can ensure these types of laws aren't being used inappropriately to go after folks who have legitimate tools of self defense."
It's legal to openly carry handguns (with a license) and rifles in Texas, and in 2017, lawmakers eliminated a 145-year-old ban on carrying knives in public. But brass knuckles remain illegal. Simply possessing something that fits this description — including plastic "kitty keychains" and other self defense items — is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to $4,000 in fines and a year in jail....MORE
Meanwhile, In Texas: Governor Signs Bill to Allow Open Carry of Stilettos, Swords and Spears
Dirks and daggers too. No word on battle-axes....***...Prisons, hospitals, amusement parks, and sporting events will also remain sword/spear-free by law.
Violations will be a Class C misdemeanor, which carry a fine of as much as $500.
Cocktail swords, being under 5.5 inches are exempt from the bar prohibition.
