After 7-year push, ‘gravity knives’ are decriminalized
‘Legal landscape has changed’
After seven years and two previous vetoes, Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Thursday signed a bill decriminalizing so-called “gravity knives” in New York.
The bill, unanimously passed three times by the state Legislature, legalizes the possession of folding knives of the type sold in hardware stores across the city. The vast majority of people arrested for carrying the common knives have been black and Latino men, many who use the tools in their work.
The bill was sponsored by Assemblymember Dan Quart, of Manhattan, and state Sen. Diane Savino, who represents parts of Bay Ridge and Coney Island.