Tennessee House Bill HB2067

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/26
• Refer: 2/4/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49 and Title 70, Chapter 2, Part 1, relative to hunter education.

Impact

The introduction of HB2067 has the potential to significantly enhance the educational offerings in Tennessee schools, particularly in relation to outdoor activities and safety. By authorizing schools to teach hunter education, the bill aims to promote understanding and respect for wildlife and hunting regulations among young students. Moreover, it reflects a broader trend towards equipping students with vital skills beyond the traditional academic subjects, which could be beneficial for fostering responsible citizenship and outdoor ethics among the youth.

Summary

House Bill 2067 amends the Tennessee Code Annotated to allow local education agencies (LEAs) and public charter schools to offer hunter education courses to students in grades five through twelve. This course can be integrated into existing physical education, health, or safety instruction programs. The bill mandates that any hunter education course provided must receive approval from the wildlife resources agency to ensure adherence to established educational standards. This initiative highlights a growing interest in incorporating outdoor and safety education into school curricula.

Contention

While the bill carries many benefits, potential points of contention may arise regarding the appropriateness of teaching hunter education in a school setting. Opponents may raise concerns about the implications of firearm education in schools and whether it fits within the educational framework of physical education or health instruction. Additionally, there could be debates around varying public opinions on hunting and outdoor education, which may lead to differing perspectives on the bill’s long-term impacts on student engagement and community values.