The bill amends the Revised School Code to introduce a new section, 1163a, which mandates the development of a model program for firearm safety instruction for students in grades 6 to 12 by June 1, 2025. This program, created in consultation with the Department of Natural Resources, must consist of at least 10 hours of instruction covering topics such as proper usage and handling of firearms, safe cleaning and maintenance, different types of firearms, safe hunting practices, and proper storage of firearms and ammunition. The instruction must be delivered by certified hunter education instructors, and firearms or ammunition are prohibited in school buildings during the 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 can opt out of the instruction without penalty 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