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REFERENCE TITLE: firearms safety; training; schools |
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State of Arizona House of Representatives Fifty-fifth Legislature Second Regular Session 2022
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HB 2448 |
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Introduced by Representatives Nguyen: Blackman, Bolick, Fillmore, Hoffman, Senator Boyer
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AN ACT
amending Title 15, chapter 7, article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding section 15-714.02; relating to school instruction.
(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:
Section 1. Title 15, chapter 7, article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by adding section 15-714.02, to read:
15-714.02. Firearms safety; training; requirements; parental opt-out
A. From and after June 30, 2023, in addition to the voluntary training in the use of bows and firearms prescribed in sections 15-713 and 15-714 and the Arizona gun safety program course prescribed in section 15-714.01, school districts and charter schools shall provide public school students in grades six through twelve with one or more training sessions in firearms safety in an age-appropriate manner.
B. Training pursuant to subsection A of this section shall be provided by a person who meets the requirements prescribed in subsection g of this section. This subsection does not require a teacher or administrator who facilitates or oversees the training to be a certified firearms safety instructor.
C. the training provided under subsection A of this section must include, at a minimum, instruction on all of the following:
1. The safe handling of all firearms, including pellet guns and air guns.
2. The identification of danger signs or careless handling of firearms and the appropriate response.
3. The proper storage of firearms and ammunition.
D. The training provided under subsection A of this section may not include either of the following:
1. Instruction on firearms operation or qualification.
2. Hunting education.
E. A student shall be excused from the training provided pursuant to subsection A of this section if either:
1. The student's parent requests that the student be excused from the training.
2. The student is a child with a disability as defined in section 15-731 and the student's individualized education program team makes a determination to excuse the student from the training.
F. A school district or charter school may accept from any person, public entity or other legal entity in-kind donations of materials, equipment or services that may be used to provide training pursuant to this section.
G. A school district or charter school may use any of the following persons to provide training pursuant to this section:
1. Current instructors certified by a recognized national or state association, including any of the following:
(a) A national rifle association.
(b) A rifle and pistol association in this state.
(c) A civilian marksmanship program.
(d) Any private institution, academy or organization that provides firearms training as described in subsection C of this section.
2. Active or retired law enforcement officers.
3. Teachers or faculty who are certified pursuant to paragraph 1 of this subsection.
Sec. 2. Legislative intent
Given the increasing concern over the safety of schools, the Legislature intends that children in this state receive instruction about firearms from a qualified individual with a focus on safety rather than from popular culture and various forms of media. This instruction should not cover topics such as firearms operation, qualification or hunting but should ensure that students know how to identify the safe and unsafe handling of firearms and the appropriate response as taught by firearms safety experts in this state who are willing to volunteer their time.