Committee approves bill authorizing optional hunter-safety instruction in public schools

The committee approved House Bill 451 (LC 610144 S), which would authorize, but not require, local boards of education to offer hunter-safety instruction to students in grades 6–12 using Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) certified instructors.

Representative Buchanan introduced the bill and described its purpose: "House bill 451 would authorize local boards of education to provide instruction in hunter safety in grades 6 through 12 by Georgia DNR certified instructors," he said, noting the instruction mirrors existing DNR courses. Sponsors said the bill formalizes instruction already provided in some classrooms and requires that courses follow existing DNR curriculum and be taught by DNR-qualified instructors.

Why it matters: Supporters called the bill a safe, voluntary way to teach firearm and outdoor safety. A senator who recalled receiving hunter-safety instruction in school said the program teaches firearm safety and that students who complete it can receive the official hunter-safety card. Committee members emphasized the bill is permissive: schools "shall be authorized" to offer instruction but are not required to do so.

Implementation details: Committee members asked about instructor numbers; the record notes roughly 400 qualified instructors statewide, including DNR law enforcement staff, volunteers and current schoolteachers. The DNR provides the curriculum; local boards choosing to participate would be responsible for arranging DNR-certified instructors.

Formal action: Senator Beard moved the bill; Senator Kemp seconded. The committee voted to advance the bill.

Next steps: The bill advances from committee as an authorization for local boards that choose to offer hunter-safety courses in middle and high school grades.