Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HSB200

Introduced
2/18/25  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to firearm safety instruction in school districts.(See HF 791.)

Impact

Once enacted, this bill requires all school districts to offer or facilitate an approved firearm safety instruction course specifically designed for students in grades 7-12, effective from the 2026 academic year onwards. Schools have the flexibility to offer these courses either on school property or at designated sites within the community that are not school-based. Importantly, instructors for these courses are not mandated to be licensed teachers, which could expedite the implementation process but might also raise concerns regarding the qualifications of those teaching firearm safety.

Summary

House Study Bill 200 proposes a framework for firearm safety instruction within Iowa's public and nonpublic school districts. The bill mandates the Iowa Department of Education to develop and distribute an age-appropriate model program for firearm instruction aimed at students in grades K-12 by July 1, 2026. For younger students, the program will be based on the Eddie Eagle GunSafe program developed by the National Rifle Association (NRA), while older students will follow a hunter education course also crafted by the NRA. This legislative move underscores a growing emphasis on integrating firearm safety into the educational curriculum, particularly as discussions around gun safety continue to evolve nationwide.

Contention

The introduction of this bill is likely to create a divide in viewpoints concerning firearm education within schools. Advocates argue that providing firearm safety instruction is necessary for responsible gun ownership and can enhance student safety by educating them on the risks associated with firearms. Conversely, opponents may raise concerns about the appropriateness of such instruction in schools and the potential normalization of firearms, particularly amongst youth. The involvement of the NRA in developing the guidelines for these courses could also spark discussions about the influence of gun rights groups in public education, thus escalating the debate around gun control and school safety.

Companion Bills

IA HF791

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to firearm safety instruction in school districts.(Formerly HSB 200.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF791

A bill for an act relating to firearm safety instruction in school districts.(Formerly HSB 200.)

IA SB1424

Firearm safety instruction; public schools

IA HB3587

Relating to firearm safety instruction in public schools and certain private schools.

IA HB1117

Concerning The Administration Of Instruction On Firearm Safety In Public School Districts And Open-enrollment Public Charter Schools.

IA HB1565

In terms and courses of study, providing for instructions in firearm safety.

IA HF536

A bill for an act relating to firearm, hunting, and wildlife instruction provided to students enrolled in grades six through eight in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, and including applicability provisions.

IA HB2104

Standardizing firearm safety programs in school districts.

IA HF2392

A bill for an act implementing requirements related to the health instruction and health education instruction provided to students enrolled in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools in grades one through twelve.

IA HSB106

A bill for an act relating to electronic devices in schools, including student access during instructional hours, school safety plans, and instruction related to the effects of social media in grades six through eight, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 782.)

IA A10028

Directs the commissioner of education to develop curriculum for firearm safety classes in schools; provides for schools to be able to provide firearm safety instruction which can be used to obtain a hunting license.

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