This bill mandates the establishment of a firearm safety training program to be implemented in all public schools in New Hampshire. It introduces a new chapter, Chapter 193-L, titled the "New Hampshire Firearms Safety Education Act," which outlines the purpose of promoting public safety and responsible citizenship through age-appropriate education on firearms safety. The Department of Education is tasked with developing or adopting standardized firearms safety training for students in grades K-12 by January 1, 2027, and providing curricular materials at no cost to school districts. The training will be integrated into the health, physical education, or civics curriculum, requiring at least one instructional hour per school year.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the training must be age-appropriate, with younger students focusing on avoidance and reporting, while older students will learn about firearm mechanics, safe handling, and legal responsibilities. It allows for exceptions to the training for students whose parents or guardians opt out, and mandates annual reporting from school districts to ensure compliance. The bill also amends RSA 186:11 to include the development and distribution of the firearms safety curriculum as part of the duties of the State Board of Education. The act will take effect upon its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 186:11
HB1830 text: 186:11