New bill would shield interstate travelers carrying legal knives
Placed on the calendarS. 246Latest action
Sponsor: Ted Budd · Senator · NC
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Interstate Transport Act of 2025
119th Congress
Topics: Crime & justice
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
S 246 would let people legally transport knives across state lines without arrest if certain safety rules are followed.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
The Interstate Transport Act of 2025 would create a federal protection allowing people to carry knives across state and local lines if the knife is legal at both the start and end of their trip. Travelers would need to follow safety rules, such as keeping the knife locked away and out of reach while driving, though small emergency safety knives could stay within reach. The protection covers normal travel activities like stopping for gas, food, or overnight stays, but does not apply to carrying a knife to commit a crime or to airplane cabins, which remain under TSA rules.
Who does it affect?
The bill affects knife owners and travelers, as well as law enforcement and state and local governments that currently enforce varying knife laws.
Why does it matter?
The bill would limit states' and cities' ability to arrest or prosecute travelers for knife possession during interstate trips if the bill's conditions are met, which could reduce local control over public safety enforcement.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJan 24, 2025
- Senate committee
- Senate voteYou are here · Nov 18, 2025
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: it was placed on the , and the official record shows no floor action on it since. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 268.