MADISON, Wis. (AP) β Gov. Scott Walker has signed a bill legalizing concealed switchblades and knives.
The governor signed the measure Saturday at the annual National Rifle Association and Wisconsin FORCE convention in Weston. Wisconsin FORCE, or Firearm Owners, Ranges, Clubs and Educators, is an NRA-chartered association that advocates for the right to bear arms.
Walker said in a statement that Wisconsin citizens have the fundamental right to defend themselves.
Manufacturing, selling, transporting, purchasing or possessing a switchblade has been illegal in Wisconsin for decades. The Republican bill eliminates that prohibition as well as permits anyone who can legally possess a gun to carry concealed knives of any length without a concealed carry license.
The bill also bars local governments from enacting knife regulations stricter than state law.
