§ 35-47-5-2.5 — Possession of a knife on school property

Indiana § 35-47-5-2.5

• Jurisdiction: Indiana
• Art. 47: WEAPONS AND INSTRUMENTS OF VIOLENCE
• Ch. 5: Prohibited Instruments of Violence

Text

5. (a) As used in this section, "knife" means
an instrument that:
(1) consists of a sharp edged or sharp pointed blade capable of
inflicting cutting, stabbing, or tearing wounds; and
(2) is intended to be used as a weapon.
(b) The term includes a dagger, dirk, poniard, stiletto, switchblade
knife, gravity knife, or throwing star.
(c) A person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally possesses
a knife on:
(1) school property (as defined in IC 35-31.5-2-285);
(2) a school bus (as defined in IC 20-27-2-8); or
(3) a special purpose bus (as defined in IC 20-27-2-10);
commits a Class B misdemeanor. However, the offense is a Class A
misdemeanor if the person has a previous unrelated conviction under
this section and a Level 6 felony if the offense results in bodily injury
to another person.
(d) This section does not apply to a person who possesses a knife:
(1) if:
(A) the knife is provided to the person by the school
corporation or possession of the knife is authorized by the
school corporation; and
(B) the person uses the knife for a purpose authorized by the
school corporation; or
(2) if the knife is secured in a motor vehicle.

Legislative History

As added by P.L.72-2006, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.114-2012, SEC.140; P.L.158-2013, SEC.592; P.L.22-2023, SEC.3.