ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-fifth Legislature

Second Regular Session

House: MAPS DPA 8-7-0-0

HB 2448: firearms safety; training; schools

Sponsor: Representative Nguyen, LD 1

Caucus & COW

Overview

Outlines firearm safety training requirements for public school students in grades 6 through 12.

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 the Arizona gun safety program course as an elective course in firearm marksmanship (A.R.S. § 15-714.01).

The Arizona gun safety program course must include the following at a minimum:

1) Instruction on the rules of firearm safety;

2) Instruction on basic operation of firearms;

3) Instruction on the history of firearms and marksmanship;

4) Instruction on the role of firearms in preserving peace and freedom;

5) Instruction on the constitutional roots of the right to keep and bear arms;

6) Instruction on the use of clay targets;

7) Practice time at a shooting range; and

8) A demonstration of firearm competence by the student through the safe discharge of a firearm at one or more targets (A.R.S. § 15-714.01).

Provisions

1. Requires school districts and charter schools to provide public school students in grades 6 through 12 with one or more firearms safety training sessions effective July 1, 2023. (Sec. 1)

2. Stipulates that a school district or charter school, may use any of the following types of firearms safety instructors:

a) Instructors certified by a recognized national or state association;

b) Active or retired law enforcement officers; or

c) Teachers or faculty certified by a recognized national or state association. (Sec. 1)

3. States firearms safety training must include the following at a minimum:

a) The safe handling of all firearms, including pellet and air guns;

b) Instruction on identifying the careless handling of firearms, and the proper response; and

c) The proper storage of firearms and ammunition. (Sec. 1)

4. Prohibits training on firearms operation or qualification and hunting education. (Sec. 1)

5. Specifies that a student must be excused from the training if the student's parent requests, or if the student is disabled and the determination is made to excuse the student from the training. (Sec. 1)

6. Allows a school district or charter school to accept donations of training materials, equipment or services to provide the training. (Sec. 1)

7. Contains a legislative intent clause. (Sec. 2)

Amendments

Committee on Military Affairs and Public Safety

1. Clarifies requirements for firearm training curriculum.

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5. HB 2448

6. Initials FK Page 0 Caucus & COW

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