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HCR 97

CURRICULA: Requests that the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, in consultation with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, study the feasibility of incorporating age- and grade-appropriate hunting education, conservation education, and shooting sports courses into curricula for public school students in grades five through twelve

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Beryl Amedée and 14 co-sponsors

Calls for a feasibility study to add age-appropriate hunting, conservation, and shooting sports education into grades 5–12 curricula, via BESE with LDWF.

Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.
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Bill Summary · HCR 97

Summary of Bill HCR 97 (Session 2026, Louisiana)

Purpose and Intent

  • HCR 97 requests the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), in consultation with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), to study the feasibility of incorporating age- and grade-appropriate hunting education, conservation education, and shooting sports courses into public school curricula for students in grades 5 through 12.
  • The resolution is a House Concurrent Resolution, meaning it expresses the sense of the Legislature and directs state agencies to study and report back, rather than directly creating new law.

Key Provisions and Changes Proposed

  • Formal Study Initiative: BESE, with LDWF involvement, would conduct a feasibility study on adding new curriculum content.
  • Content Areas to Consider:
    • Hunting education: safety, ethics, laws, and responsible participation.
    • Conservation education: wildlife biology, habitat stewardship, ecosystem management, and conservation principles.
    • Shooting sports education: safe handling, marksmanship basics, equipment safety, and comparable standards.
  • Targeted Grades: The study would focus on curricula for students in grades 5–12.
  • Collaboration and Expertise: The study would involve consultation with the LDWF to ensure expertise on wildlife, conservation, and hunting-related safety.
  • Reporting: The bill envisions a formal report detailing findings, feasibility, potential implementation pathways, resource needs, and any recommended next steps or legislative action.

Affected Parties and Stakeholders

  • Public School Students: Grades 5–12 would be the potential beneficiaries if the curriculum is implemented.
  • BESE: Responsible for implementing and overseeing curriculum content and any related standards adjustments.
  • LDWF: Provides subject-matter expertise on wildlife management, hunting safety, and conservation education.
  • Educators and School Districts: Potential recipients of new instructional content and training requirements, pending feasibility and adoption.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Status: Read by title (as of 2026-05-04). This indicates the bill has advanced in consideration but has not yet become law.
  • Next Steps (typical for a concurrent resolution): BESE and LDWF would complete the feasibility study and submit a report to the Legislature with findings and recommendations. Depending on the report, the Legislature could consider further action, such as formal adoption of new curriculum standards or directing resources for implementation.
  • No immediate appropriation or mandate is indicated in the text provided; any funding or mandate would depend on subsequent legislation or BESE action following the study.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Educational Impact: If pursued, students would gain exposure to hunting safety, conservation ethics, and shooting sports as part of life skills and environmental education. The content would be age-appropriate and aligned with existing standards for grades 5–12.
  • Safety and Compliance: Emphasis would likely be placed on safety training and adherence to state wildlife laws.
  • Resource and Training Needs: Implementation would require teacher training, instructional materials, and potential alignment with testing or standards; funding considerations would need to be addressed in subsequent actions.
  • Public Policy Implications: The resolution signals legislative interest in integrating outdoor recreation, wildlife stewardship, and responsible gun-safety education into public schooling.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to similar state efforts or outline potential pros and cons based on typical outcomes of such feasibility studies.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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