HB2332

THE CONTEXT: Statute currently states that the Arizona Game and Fish Department may provide training in the safe handling and use of bows or firearms for schools that request this instruction ( A. R.

WHAT THE BILL DID: The final vetoed version would require school districts and charter schools to provide students in grades 6-12 with one or more firearms safety training sessions in an age-appropriate manner beginning July 1,, outlines that the firearms safety training session must be based on a firearms accident prevention program that meets the following requirements: a) Has been in operation for over 30 years; b) Seeks to help parents, law enforcement, community groups and educators navigate firearm safety; c) Was developed by a task force of specified individuals; and d) Teaches simple and easy steps for individuals to remember when encountering a firearm, and asserts that a teacher or administrator who facilitates or oversees the training sessions is not required to be a certified firearms safety instructor.

WHY IT MATTERED: The practical reason for this bill was to turn the Legislature's standard for firearms safety into an enforceable rule. It would require school districts and charter schools to provide students in grades 6-12 with one or more firearms safety training sessions in an age-appropriate manner beginning July 1,, and would also outlines that the firearms safety training session must be based on a firearms accident prevention program that meets the following requirements: a) Has been in operation for over 30 years; b) Seeks to help parents, law enforcement, community groups and educators navigate firearm safety; c) Was developed by a task force of specified individuals; and d) Teaches simple and easy steps for individuals to remember when encountering a firearm, rather than leave the current rule unchanged.