Standardizing firearm safety programs in school districts.
Impact
If enacted, HB2104 will influence education laws in the state by incorporating firearm safety as a formal component of school curricula. This act will require school boards to adopt and implement these standardized programs, promoting awareness and responsible behavior among students regarding firearms. The bill prescribes particular programs, such as the Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program for younger students and Hunter Education for older students, potentially enhancing the state’s commitment to safety in relation to firearms.
Summary
House Bill 2104 is an act that aims to standardize firearm safety education programs across school districts in Kansas. The bill mandates that the state board of education develop curriculum guidelines that school districts must follow, ensuring that all students are offered the opportunity to participate in firearm safety training. The proposed programs are to be age-appropriate, with specific guidelines for different grade levels, facilitating consistency in the education provided to students regarding firearms.
Contention
While the bill may aim to promote safety, there are notable concerns regarding its implications for students’ education. Critics may argue that including firearm safety education in schools could normalize the presence of firearms in educational settings or distract from other critical educational topics. Additionally, the decision to align such programs with those offered by the National Rifle Association (NRA) may raise eyebrows among parents and educators who are wary of private organizations influencing public education policy.
House Substitute for SB 113 by Committee on K-12 Education Budget - Making appropriations for the department of education for FY 23, FY 24 and FY 25; establishing the mental health intervention team program; authorizing certain students to participate in activities regulated by the Kansas state high school activities association; requiring school districts to post certain enrollment and academic information on school district websites; revising school district open-enrollment procedures; authorizing local school board members to receive compensation from their school district; authorizing current-year student enrollment for determinations of state foundation aid; continuing the 20 mill statewide tax levy for schools; amending the school districts that qualify for and the amount that school districts are able to levy pursuant to the cost-of-living weighting.
Expanding the tax credit for low income students scholarship program act to allow students enrolled in underperforming school districts to be eligible for a scholarship.
Authorizing school districts to levy an annual levy of up to two mills for the purposes of school building safety, security and compliance with the Americans with disabilities act and including such levy in the capital outlay state aid determination for such school districts.
Requiring the Kansas bureau of investigation to establish a Kansas voluntary do-not-sell firearms list to prevent the purchase of firearms by any person who voluntarily registers to be placed on the list.
Establishing policy requirements for school safety and security and cardiac emergency response plans and providing grant programs for the implementation of such policies.