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HB 2104

Standardizing firearm safety programs in school districts.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Patrick Penn

HB 2104 would let districts offer a standardized, state-guided firearm safety curriculum for students K-12, focusing on accident prevention and proper responses to firearms.

Died in Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 2104

HB 2104 — Standardizing firearm safety programs in school districts (Kansas)

Status: Withdrawn from Calendar; Referred to Committee on Federal and State Affairs
Introduced: January 27, 2025 (Rep. Penn)

Summary / Purpose

HB 2104 would authorize local school boards to offer a standardized firearm safety education program and direct the Kansas State Board of Education to develop curriculum guidelines for that program. The stated aim is to promote student safety and teach how students should respond if they encounter a firearm, with an explicit requirement that the guidelines address accident prevention.

Key provisions

  • Authorizes (but does not require) local boards of education to provide firearm safety education programs to students.
  • Directs the State Board of Education to establish curriculum guidelines for a standardized firearm safety program; guidelines must include accident prevention.
  • Specifies allowable curricula by grade level:
    • Kindergarten–Grade 5: guidelines based on the Eddie Eagle Gunsafe program (NRA) or any successor.
    • Grades 6–8: guidelines based on Eddie Eagle (or successor) OR the “Hunter Education in Our Schools” program (Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks) or successor.
    • Grades 9–12: guidelines based on Hunter Education (or successor).
  • If a district elects to provide the instruction, it must follow the State Board’s guidelines and “ensure that all students are provided the opportunity to take the course.”

Who would be affected

  • Local school districts and boards of education (programs are optional but must follow state guidelines if offered).
  • Students and parents (access to an optional firearm safety course).
  • Kansas State Board of Education (responsible for developing statewide guidelines and convening standards development activities).
  • Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (existing Hunter Education program referenced).

Fiscal and administrative impact

  • Fiscal note estimates one-time State General Fund costs of about $70,000 to create and operate a Standards Development Committee (material development, meetings, travel reimbursement).
  • Local districts would likely incur costs to train teachers and purchase curriculum materials; those local costs are unknown until standards and materials are developed.

Legislative status & timeline (selected)

  • Filed: 01/27/2025; Referred to Committee on Federal and State Affairs; hearing scheduled Feb. 6, 2025.
  • Committee action: Supplemental note prepared and committee recommended (see record); bill later withdrawn from calendar and referred back to committee.

Stakeholder positions (committee hearing)

  • Proponents: Rep. Penn; Kansas State Rifle Association; National Shooting Sports Foundation; Women for Gun Rights; NRA and Safari Club International (written).
    • Argue standardization could prevent firearm accidents involving children.
  • Opponents: Member of State Board of Education; private citizens; written opposition from Kansans for Excellence in Education, Kansas Association of School Boards, Kansas NEA, State Board of Education, and many citizens.
    • Concerns: potential conflict with the State Board’s constitutional curriculum authority and questions about the proven effectiveness of Eddie Eagle in reducing accidents.

Notes: This summary describes what HB 2104 would do if enacted. The bill as filed applies to Kansas public school districts and references specific existing programs (Eddie Eagle; Hunter Education).

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

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