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 8 hours of instruction covering topics such as proper firearm usage, safe cleaning and maintenance, types of firearms, and safe hunting practices. The instruction must be delivered by certified hunter education instructors, and it is specified that firearms or ammunition cannot be 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 can opt out of the instruction without penalty or loss of academic credit if requested by them or their guardians. 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:
House Introduced Bill: 380.1, 380.1852