Iowa House Bill HSB200

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/18/25
• Refer: 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.