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Texas House Bill 1935 stirred controversy the moment it reached the floor. Lawmakers debated its reach, safety concerns, and cultural meaning. This law gave Texans the legal right to carry blades longer than 5.5 inches in most public spaces. Swords, machetes, and Bowie knives became fair game, with only a few location-based restrictions in place. Supporters viewed it as a long-overdue update. Critics feared it would bring danger to crowded areas. The bill’s journey reveals how a single piece of legislation can shift public norms and redefine everyday rights.
Understanding What HB 1935 Allows
HB 1935 amended the Texas Penal Code. It removed the term “illegal knife” and replaced it with “location-restricted knife.” The law focused less on the object and more on where someone carries it. It gave adults the right to carry blades of any length in most public areas.
However, it added rules for specific locations. People cannot carry blades longer than 5.5 inches in places such as:
- Schools and universities
- Polling places during voting
- Government buildings
- Hospitals and nursing homes
- Correctional facilities
- Bars that earn most of their revenue from alcohol sales
- Sporting events
Minors face additional restrictions. People under 18 can only carry location-restricted knives while under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian. Law enforcement officers and military members on duty may carry them without restriction.
Why Did Texas Pass HB 1935?
Supporters of the bill pushed for consistency and fairness. They pointed out that Texas already allowed open carry of firearms. Carrying a long blade seemed less threatening than a loaded gun. They argued that historical and cultural factors supported knife rights. Bowie knives, for example, played a role in Texas history.
Some also called the previous knife laws vague and outdated. They argued that knife carriers faced criminal charges simply for carrying tools they used for work, camping, or cooking. HB 1935 gave people clarity and protection under the law.
Lawmakers also responded to pressure from groups like Knife Rights, a national organization that fights for knife law reform. Their lobbying efforts contributed to HB 1935’s passage.
The Tragic Event That Delayed the Law
The Texas Senate passed HB 1935 in May 2017. A week later, a student stabbed and killed one person and injured several others at the University of Texas at Austin using a hunting knife. That incident caused lawmakers to rethink the bill’s language.
The final version added location-based restrictions, particularly for schools and college campuses. Lawmakers wanted to prevent future attacks without striking down the entire bill.
The stabbing did not stop the bill. Instead, it reshaped it. The compromise allowed the bill to pass while addressing safety concerns.
Public Reactions to HB 1935
The law drew mixed reactions. Some Texans praised it as a victory for personal freedom. They viewed it as an extension of Second Amendment-style rights. Knife collectors and outdoor enthusiasts supported the change. So did tradespeople who use large blades for daily tasks.
Others worried that the law might lead to more public violence. They feared that easing restrictions would make it easier for people to carry weapons in crowded spaces. Business owners expressed concern about how to handle customers walking in with swords or machetes.
Law enforcement also had to adjust. Officers needed to learn the new rules and understand how to enforce location-based restrictions without causing confusion or violating rights.
How HB 1935 Compares to Other States
Texas joined a growing number of states that reformed knife laws. Some states still ban switchblades, butterfly knives, or long blades. Others take a more permissive approach, especially in rural areas where knives are part of daily life.
Texas remains one of the few states that allow nearly unrestricted open carry of long knives. That makes HB 1935 stand out.
In states like California and New York, carrying certain knives can still result in criminal charges. Texas law now protects knife carriers unless they bring a restricted blade to a banned location.
Business Rights and Private Property
HB 1935 does not force private businesses to allow long blades. Owners can still ban weapons on their property. Stores, restaurants, and event venues may post signs to let patrons know that knives of any size are not allowed.
The law protects individuals in public spaces. It does not override private property rights. This balance allows businesses to protect their staff and customers while letting individuals carry blades in parks, sidewalks, and streets.
How Law Enforcement Handles Knife Incidents
Police officers in Texas now follow updated training that reflects HB 1935. They assess situations based on conduct, not just possession. Carrying a long knife is no longer enough to trigger arrest or citation in public areas.
If someone acts aggressively or enters a restricted location with a blade longer than 5.5 inches, officers may detain or charge them. In most cases, carrying a sword or machete openly in a legal area draws no penalty.
Still, law enforcement encourages common sense. People who carry large blades should expect public reactions and must comply with rules in restricted spaces.
Knife Safety and Public Etiquette
Even legal knife owners carry a responsibility. HB 1935 made large blades legal, but it didn’t remove the need for safety and respect.
People who carry knives should keep them sheathed and avoid using them in ways that alarm others. Swinging a blade around, using it to threaten, or acting in a reckless way still counts as disorderly conduct.
Educating the public helps reduce misunderstandings. Safety campaigns, signage, and clear communication all play a role in helping Texans understand the law.
Controversies and Future Amendments
HB 1935 may face amendments in the future. Some lawmakers continue to monitor its effects. If data shows a rise in knife-related incidents, the legislature could tighten restrictions.
Critics argue that some places not covered under the law, such as festivals or parades, may need added rules. Others worry that minors might still gain access to large blades despite supervision requirements.
Supporters push back. They say HB 1935 has not led to a surge in violence. Instead, it clarified the law and reduced wrongful arrests.
Whether lawmakers adjust the bill again will likely depend on future events, public pressure, and court challenges.
The Role of Knife Rights and Advocacy Groups
Knife Rights, one of the key backers of HB 1935, continues to push similar laws in other states. The group tracks legal developments, files lawsuits, and educates the public about knife ownership.
Their efforts helped remove bans on switchblades and gravity knives in other areas. In Texas, they helped shape HB 1935’s language and provided testimony during hearings.
Their influence shows how advocacy groups can shape state laws. Their work doesn’t end with passage. They also fight to protect laws when opponents push for repeal or tighter control.
Final Thoughts
Texas HB 1935 reshaped knife laws across the state. It gave people new rights while keeping some limits in place. The law reflects a broader trend toward expanding self-defense options and removing outdated bans.
Public safety still matters. Lawmakers tried to strike a balance between freedom and caution. The law rewards responsible behavior while punishing misuse.
Whether you carry a Bowie knife, machete, or sword, HB 1935 makes it legal in most public spaces. Just don’t carry it into a school, hospital, or voting location. And always use common sense.
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