The bill amends the existing public education law in Michigan 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 September 1, 2025, the Department of Education, in collaboration with the Department of Natural Resources, is required to make this program available to schools. The instruction must adhere to the safe firearm handling course guidelines established by the Department of Natural Resources and must be delivered by certified hunter education instructors. Key topics covered in the instruction include proper firearm usage, safe cleaning and maintenance, types of firearms, and safe hunting practices.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that firearms or ammunition cannot be brought into school buildings during the instruction. School boards have the option to offer this firearm safety instruction as an extracurricular class or integrate it into existing courses focused on self-expression and recreational activities. Students, or their parents or guardians, can request an excusal from the instruction without facing penalties or loss of academic credit. Furthermore, students who complete the firearm safety instruction will be recognized as having fulfilled the hunter safety course requirement necessary for obtaining a hunting license.

Statutes affected:
Substitute (H-1): 380.1, 380.1852
House Introduced Bill: 380.1, 380.1852
As Passed by the House: 380.1, 380.1852
As Passed by the Senate: 380.1, 380.1852
House Concurred Bill: 380.1, 380.1852
Public Act: 380.1, 380.1852
House Enrolled Bill: 380.1, 380.1852