Arkansas Schools Introduce Controversial New Course To Boost Student Safety

Gun and backpack on desk with school supplies.

Arkansas’ new House Bill 1117 mandates firearm safety courses in schools, setting a precedent for proactive student safety.

Key Takeaways

House Bill 1117 mandates firearm safety instruction in public and charter schools starting 2025.
Firearm safety curriculum includes storage, handling, and steps if encountering unsecured firearms.
The curriculum development involves collaboration between the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Department of Education.
The bill was signed into law by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
Parental consent is required for any live-fire training components.

Introduction of House Bill 1117

The introduction of House Bill 1117 or Act 229 marks Arkansas’ commitment to equipping students with essential firearm safety knowledge. The bill, brought forth by Senator Joshua Bryant and Representative Scott Richardson, aims to address the pressing issue of firearm safety among children.

This legislation is a response to Arkansas ranking among the top five states for child gun deaths, highlighting the need for education to prevent potential tragedies. It mandates public and charter schools to integrate firearm safety courses into their curricula by the 2025-2026 school year.

Signed into law by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, this act underscores a legislative commitment to bolstering public safety. By incorporating firearm safety education, the state addresses community concerns over unsecured firearms in homes—a prevalent issue in discussions on child safety. The bill was inspired by fears surrounding children encountering unsecured firearms, underscored by community conversations urging legislative action.

Educational Strategy and Collaboration

Arkansas has diligently crafted a collaborative approach for implementing the safety courses. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC), in partnership with the Department of Education, will spearhead curriculum development.

This collaboration ensures the program is both educationally appropriate and effectively addresses the real-world challenges associated with firearm safety.

“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,” said Representative Richardson.

The AGFC will establish the grade level at which firearm safety instruction begins, tailoring it to ensure age-appropriate learning. The courses will cover critical aspects such as safe storage, proper handling, and identifying steps to take when encountering an unsecured firearm. Inclusion of multimedia resources, like videos and digital materials, enriches the learning experience. Additionally, live demonstrations, contingent upon parental consent, illustrate practical safety measures comprehensively.

Firearm Safety in the Education System

Implementing these courses signals a robust strategy to integrate proactive safety education within Arkansas schools. By 2025, the educational system will not only prioritize academic excellence but also address pivotal safety issues.

The state commits to holistic student preparedness for real-world challenges. Through these initiatives, Arkansas potentially sets a benchmark for others to follow, balancing education with vital life skills training.

The text of House Bill 1117 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.”

This model indicates a crucial evolution in the education system, reflective of broader cultural shifts toward safety. As Act 229 rolls out across the state, educators, parents, and policymakers alike will closely observe its impact and scope. Arkansas is revolutionizing its educational approach, setting a standard for addressing pivotal societal issues.