State Rep. Andrew Fink, of Hillsdale, today introduced a plan to ensure local municipalities do not enact knife ordinances that are stricter than state law.

Under current law, knife laws are not consistent throughout the entire state, unlike firearm laws. Michigan local ordinances regarding knives can vary by municipality, which can lead to a knife being legal in one area, and illegal in another. This can lead to confusion for law-abiding Michigan residents and out-of-state visitors.

“This common-sense change will ensure law-abiding individuals carrying knives for work and recreation are not subject to the ordinances of multiple jurisdictions as they travel throughout Michigan,” Fink said. “Right now, it’s too easy for well-intending people to unknowingly break the law while going about their daily lives.”

Differing local ordinances on knives create a lot of uncertainty for residents. For example, spring-assisted knifes became legal under state law in 2017. However, many local ordinances continue to ban them. Fink’s plan will help eliminate the confusion.

The plan, House Bill 4066 was referred to the House Judiciary Committee.