This bill mandates the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission to determine the earliest grade at which students in public school districts and open-enrollment public charter schools can receive instruction on firearm safety. The intent is to protect children from accidental firearm discharges by providing age-appropriate education. The bill requires that starting from the 2025-2026 school year, all public schools must annually provide students with this instruction, which will be developed in consultation with the commission and must be approved by the division.

The curriculum for firearm safety education must begin at the determined earliest grade and continue through grade twelve, covering essential topics such as the proper handling and storage of firearms, school safety, and steps to take if a student encounters an unsecured firearm. The bill also specifies that instructional materials cannot bear any brand or organizational affiliation, although they may feature branding from the State of Arkansas. Additionally, preferred methods of instruction include videos, online resources, and potentially off-campus courses that may involve live-fire exercises, provided that parental consent is obtained.