Interstate Transport Act of 2025

Senate Bill

S. 246

119th Congress

Interstate Transport Act of 2025

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 268.

Introduced:Jan 24, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Ted Budd

Senator

Republican

NC

Cosponsors

8

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Crime and Law Enforcement

Summary

This bill creates federal protections for transporting knives between states where such transport is legal. Travelers must comply with accessibility and secure storage requirements, with exceptions for emergency seat belt cutting tools. The bill prevents arrests for knife violations unless there is probable cause of non-compliance with storage requirements, providing legal clarity for interstate knife transport.

Latest Action

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 268.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill creates federal protections for transporting knives between states where such transport is legal. Travelers must comply with accessibility and secure storage requirements, with exceptions for emergency seat belt cutting tools. The bill prevents arrests for knife violations unless there is probable cause of non-compliance with storage requirements, providing legal clarity for interstate knife transport.

Last updated: 1/4/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Interstate Transport Act of 2025This bill permits an individual to transport a knife between two places (e.g., states) where it is legal to possess, carry, or transport the knife. The knife must be transported in compliance with the bill's accessibility and secure storage requirements, unless it is an emergency knife or tool designed to cut seat belts.An individual who is transporting a knife in compliance with this bill may not be arrested for a knife violation unless there is probable cause to believe the individual failed to comply with the accessibility or secure storage requirements.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Permits interstate knife transport between jurisdictions where legal
Requires compliance with accessibility and secure storage requirements
Exempts emergency seat belt cutting tools from storage rules
Limits arrests to cases with probable cause of storage non-compliance
Creates uniform federal standard for traveling with knives

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This legislation addresses the patchwork of state knife laws that can criminalize lawful knife owners during interstate travel. For knife collectors, outdoors enthusiasts, and tradespeople, it provides legal protection when traveling. The bill balances public safety concerns with the rights of individuals to transport legal property across state lines.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Crime and Law Enforcement

Related Subjects

Criminal procedure and sentencing

Intergovernmental relations

Legal fees and court costs

Motor vehicles

State and local government operations

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

246, 119th Congress (2025). "Interstate Transport Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-246