Arkansas Schools Will Implement Mandatory Gun Safety Lessons In 2025

Gun and backpack on desk with school supplies.

Arkansas Act 229 introduces mandatory gun safety courses in public schools by 2025, generating curiosity over how this initiative will impact safety and education standards.

Key Takeaways

Arkansas mandates gun safety courses in schools by 2025.
The legislation, known as House Bill 1117, was signed into law.
Collaboration with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will shape the curriculum.
Optional live-fire training requires parental consent.
Arkansas ranks among the top five states for child gun deaths.

Arkansas Legislative Action

House Bill 1117, also known as Act 229, now mandates gun safety courses in public and charter schools throughout Arkansas. The bill, introduced by Senator Joshua Bryant and Representative Scott Richardson, aims to provide students with annual, age-appropriate firearm safety instruction, beginning with the 2025 academic year. This legislation is in response to Arkansas’s high ranking among states with child firearm-related fatalities. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has given her official nod to this progressive move.

The bill calls for collaboration between the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) and the Department of Education. Together, they will develop a curriculum covering crucial areas such as proper handling and storage of firearms, school safety concerning firearms, and protocols if a student encounters an unsecured weapon. This initiative stresses the importance of making children aware of the dangers and precautions associated with firearms.

Curriculum Development and Key Stakeholders

The text of the bill reads, “If an off-campus, commission-approved firearm safety course is provided in conjunction with a live-fire exercise or sporting event, the provider of the off-campus, commission-approved firearm safety course and the public school district or open-enrollment public charter school in which the participating student is enrolled shall obtain prior written approval from the participating student’s parent, legal guardian, or person standing in loco parentis to the participating student.”

The lesson plan itself, drafted by the AGFC and Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, will employ various teaching methods, such as videos and online resources. Optional off-campus live-fire exercises can be included, providing parents or guardians give prior consent. This flexibility ensures hands-on experience where preferred, alongside essential theoretical knowledge provided in the classroom environment.

The decision on which school grades will begin the firearm safety training remains pending. A team of educators and experts is tasked with assessing and recommending the optimal starting point for this curriculum. The goal is to tailor the lessons for each age group, ensuring comprehension and effectiveness. The development process is scheduled to start promptly to meet the 2025 implementation target date.

Context and Implications

Arkansas’s choice to integrate gun safety into its education system stems from community concerns about unsecured firearms in homes and the potential for children’s exposure to them. Rep. Scott Richardson outlined this issue succinctly, highlighting the reality that children often encounter unsecured firearms when visiting friends and neighbors: “All of our children play together and invade whatever home happens to be the play of the day. And in that process, they may go into a neighbor’s home and discover that unsecured firearm, and how would they react.” The new legislation aims to equip children with the knowledge and confidence to navigate such dangerous circumstances safely.

By establishing this framework, Arkansas sets a precedent that could influence education policies in other states. The focus on preventive measures underscores a commitment to reducing the incidences of accidental discharges and fatalities among children. If effectively executed, this curriculum not only anticipates potential dangers but also fosters a more informed and conscientious future generation, armed with the skills to handle potentially dangerous situations.