WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1117

INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORTS-GENDER

104th Regular Session Introduced by Jason Bunting and 39 co-sponsors

Act 229 mandates annual firearm safety education in Arkansas schools, ensuring students learn to handle unsecured firearms safely, starting in the 2025-2026 school year.

Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Brad Stephens
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1117

Summary of House Bill 1117 (Act 229)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1117, now known as Act 229, aims to enhance firearm safety education in public school districts and open-enrollment public charter schools in Arkansas. The bill seeks to protect children from accidental firearm injuries by providing age-appropriate instruction on firearm safety.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several important provisions:

  1. Curriculum Development:

    • The Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, in collaboration with the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission, is tasked with determining the earliest grade at which students can receive firearm safety instruction.
    • The curriculum must be approved by the Division and is required to be age-appropriate, starting from the earliest grade determined and continuing through grade 12.

  2. Instruction Requirements:

    • Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, all public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools must provide annual instruction on firearm safety.
    • The curriculum must cover:
      • The importance of avoiding injury if a student finds an unsecured firearm.
      • The steps to take if a student encounters an unsecured firearm, including notifying an adult.
      • School safety relating to firearms and proper handling and storage of firearms.
      • Neutral viewpoints on all topics, including the prevention of accidental firearm injuries.

  3. Curriculum Restrictions:

    • The Division will not approve any curriculum that bears a brand or organizational affiliation, although materials may bear a brand from the State of Arkansas or its agencies.

  4. Preferred Instruction Methods:

    • The bill outlines preferred methods for instruction, including:
      • Videos produced by the commission.
      • Online resources.
      • Off-campus, commission-approved firearm safety courses, which may include live-fire exercises, contingent on parental approval.

Affected Parties

  • Students: All students enrolled in public school districts and open-enrollment public charter schools in Arkansas will be required to participate in firearm safety instruction.
  • Educators and Schools: School districts and charter schools will need to develop or adopt new curricula and may incur costs associated with training and resource development.

Fiscal Impact

The bill does not have a direct fiscal impact on state revenue; however, school districts may incur costs related to the purchase and adoption of new curricula and training for educators.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: January 14, 2025
  • Passed: February 27, 2025
  • Enacted: March 4, 2025 (Notification that HB1117 is now Act 229)

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 1117, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and the impact it will have on students and educational institutions in Arkansas.

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

Sign in to ask a question.