Session: 2021-2022
ACLU-PA Position: Supports
HB 1929 would amend Title 18 to eliminate the antiquated criminalization of automatic knives in Pennsylvania.
Currently, Section 908 of the Crimes Code prohibits individuals from repairing, selling, dealing, using or possessing an “offensive weapon.” Offensive weapon is defined to include a wide range of inherently dangerous weapons such as bombs, grenades, and machine guns. However, it also includes knives which feature one-hand push-button operation, also known as automatic knives. These knives are frequently used by people for recreational purposes, like hunting and hiking, or for work-related purposes, like construction, car repair, and landscaping. HB 1929 would remove automatic knives from this definition, thereby removing the opportunity for prosecutors to criminally charge people for merely using or possessing such a knife.
Governor Wolf signed HB 1929 into law on November 3, 2022 as Act 119 of 2022.
