Arkansas House Bill HB1117

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/14/25
• Refer: 1/14/25
• Report Pass: 2/20/25
• Engrossed: 2/24/25
• Refer: 2/24/25
• Report Pass: 2/26/25
• Enrolled: 2/27/25
• Chaptered: 3/4/25
• Passed: 3/4/25

Caption

Concerning The Administration Of Instruction On Firearm Safety In Public School Districts And Open-enrollment Public Charter Schools.

Impact

If enacted, HB1117 is expected to significantly influence local education laws regarding the inclusion of firearm safety as part of the school curriculum across Arkansas. The legislation underscores a proactive approach towards safety in light of rising concerns about the unintentional harm associated with firearms, particularly among children. It commands a structured educational framework which local districts must adhere to, thus standardizing firearm safety education across the state.

Summary

House Bill 1117 mandates that public school districts and open-enrollment public charter schools in Arkansas provide annual instruction on firearm safety for students. The bill was introduced with the intent to protect children from accidental firearm discharges by providing them with appropriate safety education. It tasks the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission to determine the earliest grade at which firearm safety instruction is appropriate and to develop age-appropriate curricula accordingly. The legislation aims for implementation starting in the 2025-2026 school year.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the bill appears supportive, with a general consensus among proponents that it addresses an important aspect of student safety. Many lawmakers advocate for raising awareness concerning firearms and preventing accidents through education. However, there are likely concerns among critics regarding the appropriateness of introducing such topics to younger students, along with debates about the potential political motivations behind firearm education in public schools.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention lies in the potential opposition from groups who argue that the introduction of firearm education in schools could inadvertently promoteNormalization firearms. Furthermore, there are debates about the content of the curriculum, particularly regarding maintaining neutrality in the discussions around firearms. The bill specifies that the curriculum must not carry any branding or affiliations, which may also draw scrutiny regarding whether the instruction will remain unbiased.