HF 4752

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 03/07/2024 02:43pm

A bill for an act
relating to education; requiring firearm safety instruction in school; proposing
coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 120B.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [120B.231] FIREARMS SAFETY INSTRUCTION.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Firearms safety instruction. new text end

new text begin (a) By June 1, 2025, the commissioner of
education, in consultation with the commissioner of natural resources, must make available
to school districts and charter schools a model program of firearm safety instruction for
students in grades 6 through 12.
new text end

new text begin (b) The program must include at least 8 hours of instruction, must comply with the
requirements of the firearms safety course provided by the Department of Natural Resources
under section 97B.015, and must be taught by an individual who is certified as a qualified
person from the Enforcement Division of the Department of Natural Resources.
new text end

new text begin (c) The firearm safety instruction must include but is not limited to the following topics:
new text end

new text begin (1) proper use and handling of firearms;
new text end

new text begin (2) safe cleaning and maintenance of firearms;
new text end

new text begin (3) different types of firearms; and
new text end

new text begin (4) safe hunting practices.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Firearms and ammunition prohibited. new text end

new text begin Firearms or ammunition must not be
brought into any school building as part of firearm safety instruction.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Course offering. new text end

new text begin The board of a school district or board of directors of a charter
school may offer the firearm safety instruction as an optional extracurricular course for any
student in grades 6 through 12 enrolled in the school district or charter school, or may
provide the firearm safety instruction as part of an existing school course for the purpose
of teaching self-expression and enjoyment of recreational activity.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Excusal from instruction. new text end

new text begin Upon request from a student or a student's parent
or legal guardian, the student must be excused, without penalty or loss of academic credit,
from attending the firearm safety instruction.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Course completion and certification. new text end

new text begin A student who completes a firearm
safety instruction course through a school is considered to have completed the firearms
safety and wildlife identification course under section 97B.015, subdivision 1, and to have
met the requirements to obtain a firearms safety certificate under section 97B.015, subdivision
5.
new text end