IA
Iowa House Bill HSB200

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HSB200

Introduced
2/18/25  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to firearm safety instruction in school districts.(See HF 791.)

Impact

Once enacted, this bill requires all school districts to offer or facilitate an approved firearm safety instruction course specifically designed for students in grades 7-12, effective from the 2026 academic year onwards. Schools have the flexibility to offer these courses either on school property or at designated sites within the community that are not school-based. Importantly, instructors for these courses are not mandated to be licensed teachers, which could expedite the implementation process but might also raise concerns regarding the qualifications of those teaching firearm safety.

Summary

House Study Bill 200 proposes a framework for firearm safety instruction within Iowa's public and nonpublic school districts. The bill mandates the Iowa Department of Education to develop and distribute an age-appropriate model program for firearm instruction aimed at students in grades K-12 by July 1, 2026. For younger students, the program will be based on the Eddie Eagle GunSafe program developed by the National Rifle Association (NRA), while older students will follow a hunter education course also crafted by the NRA. This legislative move underscores a growing emphasis on integrating firearm safety into the educational curriculum, particularly as discussions around gun safety continue to evolve nationwide.

Contention

The introduction of this bill is likely to create a divide in viewpoints concerning firearm education within schools. Advocates argue that providing firearm safety instruction is necessary for responsible gun ownership and can enhance student safety by educating them on the risks associated with firearms. Conversely, opponents may raise concerns about the appropriateness of such instruction in schools and the potential normalization of firearms, particularly amongst youth. The involvement of the NRA in developing the guidelines for these courses could also spark discussions about the influence of gun rights groups in public education, thus escalating the debate around gun control and school safety.

Latest IA HSB200 Activity

View All Events: IA 2025-2026 Regular Session HSB200

Companion Bills

IA HF791

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to firearm safety instruction in school districts.(Formerly HSB 200.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF73

A bill for an act relating to firearm education in schools, including requiring the director of the department of education to develop and distribute age-appropriate model programs for firearm safety instruction and modifying provisions related to the required instruction in public schools and accredited nonpublic schools in grades six through twelve.

IA HSB119

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to comprehensive school improvement plans, teacher librarians and guidance counselors, required days or hours of instruction in elementary and secondary schools, agreements between school districts and community colleges to teach certain courses, required courses in school districts and accredited nonpublic schools, and shared operational functions, and authorizing school districts to offer sequential units in one classroom.(See HF 327.)

IA SSB1076

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to comprehensive school improvement plans, teacher librarians and guidance counselors, required days or hours of instruction in elementary and secondary schools, agreements between school districts and community colleges to teach certain courses, required courses in school districts and accredited nonpublic schools, and shared operational functions, and authorizing school districts to offer sequential units in one classroom.(See SF 391.)

IA HF8

A bill for an act prohibiting instruction related to gender identity and sexual orientation in school districts and charter schools in kindergarten through grade three.(See HF 348.)

IA HF327

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to comprehensive school improvement plans, teacher librarians and guidance counselors, required days or hours of instruction in elementary and secondary schools, agreements between school districts and community colleges to teach certain courses, required courses in school districts and accredited nonpublic schools, and shared operational functions, and authorizing school districts to offer sequential units in one classroom.(Formerly HSB 119.)

IA HF348

A bill for an act prohibiting instruction related to gender identity and sexual orientation in school districts and charter schools in kindergarten through grade six. (Formerly HF 8.)

IA HSB586

A bill for an act requiring school districts and charter schools to provide instruction related to character development to students enrolled in kindergarten through grade twelve.

IA HSB219

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to school district library programs and the educational program provided to students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.(See HF 597.)

IA SF391

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to comprehensive school improvement plans, teacher librarians and guidance counselors, required days or hours of instruction in elementary and secondary schools, agreements between school districts and community colleges to teach certain courses, and required courses in school districts and accredited nonpublic schools, and authorizing school districts to offer sequential units in one classroom. (Formerly SSB 1076.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA HF654

A bill for an act relating to the carrying, transportation, and possession of and educational programs about weapons, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HSB 173.)

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