The proposed bill amends the Revised School Code to introduce a new section, 1163a, which mandates the development of a model program for firearm safety instruction aimed at students in grades 6 to 12. By June 1, 2025, the Department of Education, in collaboration with the Department of Natural Resources, is required to create and provide this program, which must consist of at least 10 hours of instruction. The curriculum will cover essential topics such as proper firearm usage, safe cleaning and maintenance, types of firearms, safe hunting practices, and proper storage of firearms and ammunition. Importantly, firearms or ammunition are prohibited from being brought into school buildings during this instruction.

Additionally, the bill allows school districts and public school academies to offer this firearm safety instruction as an optional extracurricular class or as part of an existing course. Students may opt out of the instruction without facing penalties or loss of academic credit if requested by the student or their parent or guardian. Furthermore, successful completion of this firearm safety instruction will fulfill the hunter safety course requirement necessary for obtaining a hunting license in Michigan.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 380.1, 380.1852