What's happening
This bill prohibits the sale or promotional distribution of machetes to minors under eighteen in New York State.
Why it matters
Expands youth weapon restrictions. By adding machetes to the list of items (alongside utility knives and box cutters) that cannot be sold or given to minors, the bill aims to reduce youth access to potentially dangerous blades, which are sometimes associated with violence or accidental injury.
Defines "machete" for legal clarity. The bill establishes a clear, legal definition of “machete” (“a large heavy knife with a broad blade, used primarily for cutting brush or vegetation”), limiting confusion for retailers and law enforcement about what is covered.
Allows for exceptions in employment. Minors can still use machetes for work, but only when provided by their employer, on the employer’s premises, and during work hours, accommodating businesses like landscaping or agriculture that may employ young workers.
Sets civil penalties for violations. Retailers or individuals who illegally sell or give machetes to minors face fines up to $500, creating a tangible financial deterrent to discourage non-compliance.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Ban Machete Sales to Minors
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to corporations, authorities and commissions
- Referred to corporations, authorities and commissions
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Ban Machete Sales to Minors
In Senate Committee · Consumer Protection · Sponsor Phil Boyle
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
4900
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
February 5, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. RAMOS -- read once and referred to the Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions
AN ACT to amend the general business law, in relation to prohibiting the sale or promotional distribution of machetes to minors
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 399-qq of the general business law, as added by chapter 243 of the laws of 2005, is amended to read as follows:
§ 399-qq. Sale or promotional distribution of machetes, utility knives, box cutters, or box cart cutters. 1. No person, firm, or corporation shall sell or offer to sell or give away as either a retail or wholesale promotion a machete, utility knife, box cutter, or box cart cutter to any person under eighteen years of age.
2. For purposes of this section, the term "utility knife", "box cutter", or "box cart cutter" means a knife consisting of a razor blade, retractable or non-retractable, attached to or contained within a plastic or metal housing. For the purposes of this section, the term "machete" means a large heavy knife with a broad blade, used primarily for cutting brush or vegetation.
3. The provisions of this section shall not preclude the temporary transfer of a machete, utility knife, box cutter, or box cart cutter to a person under eighteen years of age by such person's employer where such device is possessed only on the employer's premises and only during the course and scope of such person's employment.
4. No provision of this section shall be deemed to restrict the authority of any county, city, town or village to enact and enforce additional local laws, ordinances or codes, or portions thereof, provided the provisions thereof are not inconsistent with the provisions of this section.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD04495-01-9
A. 4900 2
5. Any person, firm, or corporation who violates the provisions of this section shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than five hundred dollars.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.