Arizona 2023 2023 Regular Session

Arizona House Bill HB2332 Comm Sub / Analysis

Filed 03/01/2023

                      	HB 2332 
Initials NM/CV 	Page 1 	House Engrossed  
 
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Fifty-sixth Legislature 
First Regular Session 
House: MAPS DP 8-7-0-0-0 
 
HB2332: firearms safety; training; schools 
Sponsor: Representative Bliss, LD 1 
House Engrossed 
Overview 
Requires school districts and charter schools to provide one or more firearms safety training 
sessions.  
History 
Statute currently states that the Arizona Game and Fish Department may provide training in the 
safe handling and use of bows or firearms for schools that request this instruction (A.R.S. § 15-
713). Statute further stipulates that any firearm or bow training may only be offered as an elective 
credit for students (A.R.S. § 15-714).  
In addition to voluntary training in the use of bows and firearms, statute allows any school district 
or charter school to offer a one semester, one credit elective course in firearm marksmanship 
designated as the Arizona Gun Safety Program Course (A.R.S. § 15-714.01).  
Provisions 
1. Requires school districts and charter schools to provide students in grades 6-12 with one or 
more firearms safety training sessions in an age-appropriate manner beginning July 1, 2024. 
(Sec. 1)  
2. Outlines that the firearms safety training session must be based on a firearms accident 
prevention program that meets the following requirements:  
a) Has been in operation for over 30 years;  
b) Seeks to help parents, law enforcement, community groups and educators navigate 
firearm safety;  
c) Was developed by a task force of specified individuals; and 
d) Teaches simple and easy steps for individuals to remember when encountering a firearm. 
(Sec. 1)  
3. Asserts that a teacher or administrator who facilitates or oversees the training sessions is not 
required to be a certified firearms safety instructor. (Sec. 1)  
4. Specifies that a school district or charter school may, for the purpose of firearms safety 
training, use:  
a) An active or retired police officer;  
b) An instructor certified by a recognized national or state association; or  
c) A teacher or faculty member certified by a recognized national or state association. (Sec. 
1)  
5. Prohibits training on firearm operation or qualification and on hunting education. (Sec. 1) 
☐ Prop 105 (45 votes)     ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes)      ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note    	HB 2332 
Initials NM/CV 	Page 2 	House Engrossed  
6. Directs the school district or charter school to notify the students' parents two weeks before 
training and to allow them to opt-out of the training. (Sec. 1) 
7. Allows a student to be excused if either the parent requests it, or the student has a disability 
and is excused by the student's individualized education program team. (Sec. 1)  
8. Permits a school district or charter school to accept donations of materials, equipment or 
services that may be used for training, except that working or live firearms may not be 
accepted. (Sec. 1) 
9. Contains a legislative intent clause. (Sec. 2)