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SB 2369

Education, Curriculum - As enacted, authorizes LEAs and public charter schools to offer students in any of the grades five through 12 a hunter education course that is approved by the wildlife resources agency as part of physical education, health, or safety instruction. - Amends TCA Title 49 and Title 70, Chapter 2, Part 1.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Rose

Tennessee law permits public schools to offer wildlife-approved hunter education courses in grades 5-12 as elective physical education or safety instruction.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 630
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Bill Summary · SB 2369

Legislative bill overview

SB 2369 permits Tennessee school districts and public charter schools to offer hunter education courses to students in grades 5-12 as part of their physical education, health, or safety curriculum. The course must be approved by the state wildlife resources agency. This adds a new elective option within existing educational frameworks rather than mandating the course.

Why is this important

Hunter education programs teach firearm safety, conservation ethics, and outdoor skills. For rural Tennessee communities where hunting is culturally significant, this provides school-based access to formalized safety training. However, it also introduces firearms-related instruction into public schools, which generates debate about appropriate K-12 curriculum scope and parental preferences regarding their children's exposure to hunting-related content.

Potential points of contention

  • Firearms in schools: While the course focuses on safety rather than marksmanship, it introduces hunting and firearm education into public school settings, which some parents or communities may object to on principle
  • Curriculum priority: Critics may argue resources should prioritize core academics rather than recreational hunting instruction, particularly in under-resourced districts
  • Opt-in vs. exposure: The bill permits but doesn't require districts to offer the course, meaning availability will vary by region and may create educational equity issues depending on local implementation

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

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