29 March 2023
TOPEKA (KSNT)— Kansas lawmakers voted to pass a bill allowing local school districts to adopt gun safety training in schools.
The senate passed House Bill 2304 at 31-8 on Wednesday. The bill now goes to democratic Kansas Governor Laura Kelly for approval.
The bill would require the State Board of Education to set guidelines for a standardized firearm safety training program for K-12 schools. For kindergarten and grades one through five, the program would be based off the National Rifle Association’s “Eddie the Eagle” program, which teaches kids to “stop” and tell an adult when they encounter a gun.
Opponents say the bill puts the onus on kids to know what to do when encountering a gun, as opposed to holding adults responsible.
“I’m very concerned that the Eddie the Eagle program gives a false sense of security, and will help your children understand how to use guns,” said Sen. Marci Francisco, D-Lawrence.
However, supporters argue that the bill would allow kids to effectively learn what to do when they come across a firearm.
“We want to teach these children how to handle firearms safely, starting from a young age, so they’re not frightened of firearms,” said Sen. Mike Thompson, R-Shawnee.