GUN SAFETY INSTRUCTION S.B. 1402: COMMITTEE SUMMARY
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Senate Bill 1402 (as introduced 6-23-10)
Sponsor: Senator John J. Gleason
Committee: Education


Date Completed: 6-24-10

CONTENT The bill would amend the Revised School Code to require the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) to develop or adopt and make available a model gun safety instruction program, and encourage school districts and public school academies to adopt the model program.

Specifically, the MDE would have to develop or adopt, and make available to schools, one or more model programs for gun safety instruction for elementary school pupils. The model program would have to adopt or be based on the "Eddie Eagle" GunSafe accident prevention program developed by the National Rifle Association (NRA).


The bill would encourage each school district and public school academy to adopt and implement the model gun safety instruction program in at least 3rd grade beginning in the 2009-2010 school year.


Proposed MCL 380.1163

BACKGROUND
The Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program is an educational program for children in prekindergarten through 3rd grade, according to the National Rifle Association's website. The program includes instructional materials featuring a mascot called Eddie Eagle, and teaches children what to do if they find a gun. Over 21 million children have participated in the program since it was created in 1988, according to the NRA.

Legislative Analyst: Curtis Walker

FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have minimal fiscal impact on the State. Any costs would be incurred by the Department of Education in developing or adopting and making available a model gun safety instruction program. If the Department adopted the "Eddie Eagle" program without developing its own program, costs of making that policy known to districts likely would be minimal.

Fiscal Analyst: Kathryn Summers

Analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent. sb1402/0910