So correct me if I'm wrong but this bill would make it a:
1) Felony to concealed carry any weapon except a firearm during a petty misdemeanor.
2) Felony to concealed carry any weapon including a firearm during a non-petty misdemeanor.
3) Misdemeanor to carry concealed a concealed butterfly knife, switchblade, or anything else OTHER THAN A BILLY. (Can somebody explain to me the difference between a billy and a blackjack?)
4) Law enforcement or others "authorized by law" to carry weapons are NOT exempt while carrying firearms, butterfly knives, or switchblades. But they are exempt from being tried for carrying any other weapon.
The language in this bill is an absolute mess.
My read is that this bill would make it illegal to transport a switchblade or butterfly knife while concealed, but either would be totally legal if not concealed. (Although what other laws apply to carrying either on the outside of your pants?)
It's absurd that any sort of knife would be "more illegal" than a firearm. It's absurd that it'd be better to have a pistol in your pocket than a knife, if you're charged with committing a petty misdemeanor. And it's absurd that somebody could be charged for not using a weapon during a crime, but having a weapon during a crime; people should be prosecuted for the crimes they commit, not the crimes they don't.
I guess if you get into a fight and you happen to have a weapon in your pocket, you are already likely to be guilty of a felony, so you ought as well use it?
It's absurd that we are still writing laws pertaining to brass knuckles. It's absurd that we are trying to draw a distinction between billys and blackjacks.
The lack of a law enforcement exception is something I appreciate, although HPD's testimony is in support of this bill.