Arkansas law mandates annual gun safety courses for students

A new law signed by Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders mandates yearly gun safety courses for public school students.Under House Bill 1117, now Act 229, schools are required to incorporate a combination of videos, online materials, and off-campus live demonstrations into the curriculum as part of the gun safety education.

The aim of the law is to provide students with age-appropriate firearm safety training to reduce the risk of accidental shootings. Proponents believe the courses will equip children with crucial knowledge about gun safety.

However, the law has sparked mixed reactions among residents. Supporters argue that it will offer students valuable life skills, especially for those who may not have exposure to firearms at home. Opponents, on the other hand, express concern that such instruction could increase familiarity with guns and potentially lead to dangerous outcomes, such as a rise in school shootings.

The law will go into effect in the second half of the 2025 school year. While the legislation does not specify whether parents can opt their children out of the safety courses, it does require parental consent for the live demonstrations conducted off-campus.

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