Kansas residents may now carry switchblades, daggers and other types of knives in most public places without fear of arrest.

A new law that took effect July 1 lifted the state’s ban on several kinds of bladed instruments. Gov. Sam Brownback signed the measure shortly after legislators approved it in April.

The Topeka Capital Journal reports the driving force was a national group called Knife Rights. The group contends the Second Amendment protects the right to keep and bear knives as well as firearms.

Knife Rights lobbyist Todd Rathner says the law makes Kansas one of the knife-friendliest states in the nation. That’s because it also prohibits local governments from enforcing any type of knife ordinance.

The law does contain exemptions for school districts, jails and juvenile detention facilities.