Tennessee House Passes Bill Requiring Gun Safety Education in Schools
The Tennessee House recently passed a bill that would make gun safety education a mandatory subject in public schools. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Chris Todd, aims to teach children age-appropriate gun safety basics, with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and Tennessee Department of Safety leading the class and determining the grade level suitability.
While some support the bill, others feel parents should have the option to opt their children out of the course. Democratic lawmakers have proposed amendments to allow for this parental choice, citing concerns about potentially re-traumatizing children who have experienced gun-related trauma.
Both Representative Jason Powell and Representative Justin Pearson advocate for parental involvement in the bill’s language, arguing that parents should have a say in what their children learn about firearms.
Some like Cleveland parent and educator Lindsey Smith Bell see the benefit of the bill, comparing it to driver’s education. However, they also express concerns about how this education will be implemented without taking focus away from other important areas of learning.
Supporters of the bill, like gun show worker Bill Geisenhoffer, believe that gun safety education should start at home and that parents should have input into their children’s education. The bill now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration.
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