Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF791

Introduced
3/5/25  

Caption

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

Impact

Beginning in the school year starting July 1, 2026, all school districts will be obligated to offer an approved firearm safety course to students in grades 7-12, alongside provisions for nonpublic schools within those districts. The bill specifies that instructors of these courses do not need to be licensed teachers, allowing for greater flexibility in the types of personnel that can provide this instruction. This provision may also lead to an increase in the variety of firearm educational programs that can be offered.

Summary

House File 791, also known as HF791, is a legislative proposal focusing on firearm safety instruction within school districts in Iowa. The bill mandates the development of an age-appropriate model program for firearm safety education targeted at students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The directive requires the Iowa Department of Education to have this program ready for distribution by July 1, 2026, indicating a structured approach to firearm safety coming from a recognized methodology.

Contention

A significant point of contention surrounding HF791 is its reliance on programs developed by the National Rifle Association (NRA), which may raise concerns among critics regarding the objectivity and safety aspects of firearm education in schools. Supporters argue that the education will enhance student safety concerning firearms, while opponents may worry about the implications of normalizing firearm instruction in educational environments and the qualifications of instructors. The bill's assertion that school districts should cover the costs associated with its mandates from state school foundation aid could also spur debate about financial responsibilities and the effectiveness of such funding mechanisms.

Companion Bills

IA HSB200

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

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 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 HF597

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.(Formerly HSB 219.)

IA HF2586

A bill for an act relating to school security, including the use of school security personnel by school districts and authorizing school employees to be issued professional permits to carry weapons, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HSB 675.) Effective date: 04/19/2024, 07/01/2024.

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 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 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 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 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.)

Similar Bills

MI HB6248

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MI SB1145

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MI SB0453

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MI HB4687

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CA SB1440

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CA AB2109

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NJ A284

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MI HB4345

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