NASHVILLE - The state Senate has passed a bill to legalize switchblades and other knives with blades longer than 4 inches in Tennessee.
The chamber voted 24-1 on Monday to approve the bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Mike Bell of Riceville.
The measure would make it a felony to use a switchblade knife during the commission of a crime and would increase the maximum fine from $3,000 to $6,000.
Legislative analysts project that the measure would lead to one incarceration every 10 years.
Under current law, switchblades are included on a state list of weapons that are illegal to knowingly possess, manufacture, transport, repair or sell.
The companion bill sponsored by Republican Rep. Vance Dennis of Savannah is awaiting a vote in a subcommittee of the House Finance Committee.