Arkansas Schools To Introduce New Curriculum: What’s Act 229?

Gun and backpack on desk with school supplies.

Arkansas’s legislative move with Act 229, set to transform school safety education, promises an intriguing shift in addressing the pressing issue of unsecured firearms.

Key Insights

Act 229 requires firearm safety instruction in Arkansas schools by 2025.
The program collaborates with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Department of Education.
Safety courses could include live demonstrations with parental consent.
The bill responds to community discussions on kids’ exposure to unsecured firearms.

Introduction of House Bill 1117

House Bill 1117, now enacted as Act 229, was introduced by Senator Joshua Bryant and Representative Scott Richardson on January 14. This act mandates annual firearm safety education in public and charter schools in Arkansas. The goal is to address the state’s tragic statistic—Arkansas ranks among the top five states for child gun deaths, as reported in a 2020 study.

The legislature emphasizes the significance of making students aware of the safe storage and handling of firearms, lessons in recognizing possible dangers, and steps to take if they encounter an unsecured gun. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will determine the appropriate grade levels for this vital education.

Curriculum Development and Implementation

The collaboration between the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Department of Education will be key in developing effective safety courses. Instruction methods are set to include digital resources like video-based learning, with optional off-campus activities featuring live-fire exercises. However, parental consent is essential for participation in any live drills, ensuring family involvement in these educational choices.

The text of the bill reads: “If an off-campus, commission-approved firearm safety course is provided in conjunction with a live-fire exercise or sporting event, the provider of the off-campus, commission-approved firearm safety course and the public school district or open-enrollment public charter school in which the participating student is enrolled shall obtain prior written approval from the participating student’s parent, legal guardian, or person standing in loco parentis to the participating student.”

Arkansas’s determination to incorporate gun safety into school programs stems from community worries, as explained by Representative Richardson: “All of our children play together and invade whatever home happens to be the play of the day. And in that process, they may go into a neighbor’s home and discover that unsecured firearm, and how would they react.” This call to action reflects the increasing concern for the welfare and safety of children statewide.

Legislative and Community Support

The enactment of Act 229 highlights a collaborative effort involving multiple state entities but also points to a broader community-driven initiative. The Education Committee, set to deliberate on January 21 regarding the bill’s particulars, will also determine the earliest grade levels suitable for this curriculum. Knowing the potential impact of such education, this legislative move underscores a broader reform intended to avert future tragedies.

The steady support behind Act 229 remains evident. The community holds meaningful conversations around child safety and opportunities for education while prioritizing the continual safety of Arkansas’s young citizens. As described by Rep. Richardson, the initiative stems from genuine concerns that speak to the hearts of many families across the state.