Intent to be considered for knife possession charge

A bill that clarifies the intent of Nebraska’s deadly weapon statute was passed by the Legislature May 4.

Currently, Nebraska statute considers possession of any knife with a blade longer than 3.5 inches to be a deadly weapon, regardless of the owner’s intent. LB558, sponsored by Columbus Sen. Paul Schumacher, clarifies that the intended use of the knife should be considered when charging a person with a crime.

The bill passed on a 46-0 vote.