Bill > HB3587

This bill requires public and certain private schools in Texas to provide firearm safety instruction for students in grades 6-12, with specific guidelines designed to educate students about safety without teaching weapon operation. The instruction must be based on a firearms accident prevention program that has been in operation for at least 30 years, developed by a diverse task force including educators, psychologists, law enforcement, and firearm safety experts, and must focus on simple steps students can take if they encounter a firearm. The instruction must be provided by a certified instructor from a recognized national or state association or by an active or retired law enforcement officer, and schools must provide parents with at least two weeks' notice before the instruction, including a content summary and the option to excuse their child from the lesson. Students can be excused from the instruction without academic penalty if their parent submits a written request or if a special education committee determines the instruction is inappropriate. The bill prohibits instruction on firearm operation or use and bars the use of operational firearms during the lesson. The new requirements will take effect in the 2025-2026 school year, and the bill will become law immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the Texas legislature, or on September 1, 2025, if it does not.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB3587