s_jud_2017a_2017-01-25t13:35:14z1 Hearing Summary

Date: 01/25/2017

Location: SCR 352

02:13 PM -- SB17-008



Senator Hill, sponsor, presented Senate Bill 17-008, concerning legalizing gravity and switchblade knives. He explained a situation in which a knife covered by the bill would have helped prevent bodily injury at a construction site. He also explained the provisions of the bill. Senator Hill responded to a question concerning the effect of the bill on situations that law enforcement personnel may encounter. He presented examples of knives covered by the bill. The committee discussed the potential harm of knives.



02:24 PM -- Mr. John Bloodgood, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. He distributed a packet of information to the committee (Attachment C). He discussed his and others' experiences in situations in which knives covered by the bill were beneficial. He explained the benefits of having knives that open with one hand, and told the committee that these types of knives are issued by the military and are possessed by many military veterans. Mr. Bloodgood commented on law enforcement perspectives on knives covered by the bill.



17SenateJud0125AttachC.pdf



02:36 PM -- Mr. Chris Johnson, representing the County Sheriffs of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Johnson stated that sheriffs had not had issues with the types of knives covered by the bill. He responded to questions concerning crimes in which such knives have been used, and other law enforcement organizations' positions on the bill.





02:38 PM



Senator Hill provided closing remarks on the bill. Committee members discussed the bill.

02:43 PM



The committee adjourned.