Saturday, September 2, 2017

Texas takes a step in the right direction

They've legalized the carry of large knives and swords. Of course, there are a few restrictions:
So although Texans will be allowed to walk down the street carrying a katana, it's illegal to take blades exceeding 5.5 inches to the following places:
• Bars and restaurants that derive 51% or more of their income from the sale or service of alcoholic beverages for on-premise consumption.
• Schools and universities.
• Polling places.
• Secure areas of airports.
• Racetracks.
• High school, collegiate or professional sporting events (unless the person is a participant in the event and a location-restricted knife is used in the event).
• Correctional facilities.
• Hospitals, nursing homes and mental hospitals (unless written authorization is given).
• Amusement parks.
• Churches, synagogues or other established places of religious worship. Also, people under age 18 will not be allowed to carry such blades if not directly supervised by a parent or guardian.
Violating the law could result in a third-degree felony charge, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine.
That wording is because of a stabbing earlier this year. Because people who are going to engage in stabbings make sure to follow the law in all its particulars, and will of course never conceal a knife over 5.5 inches, despite the fact that it's not particularly hard to conceal even a large knife, and even swords can be concealed with a little prior planning. And of course they'll never just use a baseball bat or a half-brick in a sock, should the law actually work in preventing knives from getting in. And no one has ever died of getting punched.

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