TITLE: Relating to the definition of an illegal knife.

SUMMARY: Relating to the definition of an illegal knife.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the definition of an illegal knife. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 46.01(6), Penal Code, is amended to read as follows: (6) "Illegal knife" means a: (A) knife with a blade over five and one-half inches; (B) hand instrument designed to cut or stab another by being thrown; (C) dagger, including but not limited to a dirk, stiletto, and poniard; (D) [bowie knife; [(E)] sword; or (E) [(F)] spear. SECTION 2. Section 46.15(e), Penal Code, is amended to read as follows: (e) The provisions of Section 46.02 prohibiting the carrying of an illegal knife do not apply to an individual carrying a [bowie knife or a] sword used in a historical demonstration or in a ceremony in which the [knife or] sword is significant to the performance of the ceremony. SECTION 3. The change in law made by this Act applies only to an offense committed on or after the effective date of this Act. An offense committed before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect on the date the offense was committed, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose. For purposes of this section, an offense was committed before the effective date of this Act if any element of the offense occurred before that date. SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.