Technical corrections only. v2 updates the bill's status to 'Reported in Senate' and adds two co-sponsors to the list of introducers. The substantive text of the bill remains unchanged from v1.
Interstate Transport Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC]
- Committees
- Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Nov 18, 2025
Bottom line
This bill establishes federal preemption for interstate knife transport, aiming to standardize regulations for travelers while maintaining restrictions on aircraft cabins and prohibiting transport with criminal intent.
What it actually does
This bill establishes a federal right for law-abiding citizens to transport knives interstate for any lawful purpose, overriding conflicting state and local prohibitions, provided the knives are secured in transit. It also creates an exception for specific emergency escape knives, allowing them to be carried openly in vehicles. The bill includes provisions for legal protections, cost recovery, and expungement for individuals who successfully assert their rights under this Act.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue the bill protects the rights of law-abiding citizens to travel freely with their property, preventing arbitrary arrests due to a confusing 'patchwork' of conflicting state and local knife laws. They emphasize the importance of self-defense and the practical necessity for individuals who use knives for legitimate purposes like hunting, fishing, or work, ensuring legal clarity and consistency for interstate travelers.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that the bill undermines local control and public safety by overriding state and local ordinances designed to prevent knife violence. They could contend that it makes it harder for communities to regulate dangerous weapons and could potentially lead to an increase in knife-related incidents by making it easier to transport certain types of knives across jurisdictions with stricter laws.
The bill is very short and clearly written, making it highly accessible for a reader to understand its provisions quickly.
Section 2(b)(1)
Federal Right to Interstate Knife Transport
This provision establishes a federal right for individuals not prohibited by federal law from possessing a knife to transport it interstate for any lawful purpose. This right applies from a place where the knife is lawful to another place where it is lawful, overriding conflicting state or local laws, provided the knife is secured (e.g., not directly accessible in a motor vehicle, or in a locked container for other transport).
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is crucial for protecting the rights of travelers who might unknowingly violate a myriad of local knife ordinances, ensuring they can move freely without fear of arbitrary arrest. It provides clarity and consistency in a complex legal landscape.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that this provision infringes on states' rights to regulate public safety within their borders, potentially undermining local efforts to control weapon possession and prevent violence.
Tradeoffs
Balances individual rights to transport property and self-defense against state and local governments' authority to regulate weapons for public safety.
Section 2(c)
Exemption for Emergency Escape Knives
This section allows individuals to carry specific types of emergency escape knives or tools in the passenger compartment of a mode of transportation without requiring them to be secured in a locked container. These knives must have blunt-tipped safety blades, guarded blades, or both, and be designed specifically for cutting safety belts in an emergency. This exemption does not apply to passenger aircraft cabins.
Section 2(d), (e), (f)
Legal Protections and Remedies
This set of provisions states that a person complying with the interstate transport rules cannot be arrested for state/local knife violations unless there's probable cause of non-compliance with federal law. If a person successfully asserts this section as a claim or defense in court, they are entitled to costs and reasonable attorney's fees, and in criminal cases, expungement of arrest and proceedings records.