BAN CERTAIN MULTIBLADED WEAPONS

House Bill 4092

Sponsor:  Rep. Virgil Smith

Committee:  Judiciary

Complete to 5-23-06

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4092 AS INTRODUCED 2-1-05

The bill would amend the Michigan Penal Code to ban the manufacture, sale, or possession of certain multibladed devices.  Under the bill, a person could not manufacture, sell, offer for sale, or possess a sharp-edged, multibladed device that was capable of being carried on the person, with blades that are, or could be, locked into place for use as a weapon.  The penalty for a violation would be the same as for the unlawful sale, manufacture, or possession of a machine gun, various hand-held weapons such as a blackjack, or a disabling spray – a felony punishable by not more than five years imprisonment and/or a $2,500 fine. 

The bill's prohibition and penalty would not apply to a person who manufactured, sold, offered to sell, or possessed a sharp-edged, multibladed device in the course of a lawful trade, profession, or occupation.  Additionally, the bill would create an exception for possession of any of the weapons described in Section 224(1) of the act pursuant to a person's duties in the armed services.

Furthermore, the code currently prohibits an individual from carrying a dagger, a dirk, a stiletto, a double-edged nonfolding stabbing instrument of any length, or any dangerous weapon concealed on or about his or her person, or, whether concealed or not, in any vehicle operated or occupied by the person (except for the person's own dwelling, place of business, or land owned by the person).  A violation is punishable by imprisonment for up to five years and/or a fine of not more than $2,500. 

The bill would add carrying a sharp-edged multibladed device to the list of prohibited weapons and actions and apply the same penalties for a violation.

MCL 750.224 and 750.227

FISCAL IMPACT:

A fiscal analysis is in process.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Susan Stutzky

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Marilyn Peterson

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.