Arkansas is taking a bold step to make sure kids know what to do when they encounter a firearm. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has signed legislation mandating gun safety education in all public schools starting in 2025.
This should be rolled out across the country…
At a glance:
• Arkansas Act 229 requires firearm safety instruction in all public and charter schools
• The program will begin in the 2025-2026 school year
• Curriculum will include proper handling, safe storage, and steps if finding an unsecured firearm
• Arkansas ranks among the top five states for child gun deaths
• Optional live-fire training available with parental consent
Protecting Children Through Education
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has signed Act 229, previously known as House Bill 1117, creating mandatory firearm safety education for students across the state. The legislation addresses a critical safety issue in a state that ranks among the top five for child gun deaths, according to a 2020 study.
The bill was introduced by Senator Joshua Bryant and Representative Scott Richardson, who recognized the importance of teaching children how to safely handle firearms they might encounter. State officials worked together to craft legislation that respects Second Amendment rights while prioritizing child safety.
Comprehensive Safety Curriculum
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will collaborate with the Department of Education to develop age-appropriate educational courses for students. Instruction will cover proper handling and safe storage of firearms, school safety related to firearms, and what children should do if they find an unsecured weapon.
Representative Scott Richardson explained the motivation behind the bill, noting, “All of our children play together and invade whatever home happens to be the play of the day. And in that process, they may go into a neighbor’s home and discover that unsecured firearm, and how would they react.”
Schools will have flexibility in how they implement the program, using options like educational videos and online resources. The Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission and the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education will jointly approve all curriculum materials to ensure quality and consistency.
Optional Live Training With Parental Approval
The legislation includes provisions for optional off-campus, live-fire exercises for students interested in hands-on experience. These practical demonstrations would require explicit written permission from parents or guardians before any student could participate.
“If an off-campus, commission-approved firearm safety course is provided in conjunction with a live-fire exercise or sporting event, the provider of the off-campus, commission-approved firearm safety course and the public school district or open-enrollment public charter school in which the participating student is enrolled shall obtain prior written approval from the participating student’s parent, legal guardian, or person standing in loco parentis to the participating student,” the bill reads.
The curriculum will begin implementation in the 2025-2026 school year, giving schools adequate time to prepare materials and train staff. Conservative lawmakers across the country are watching Arkansas closely as a potential model for similar education initiatives in other states.
