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Committee advances HB 2104 to require standardized firearms safety curriculum — critics say it narrows local control
Summary
The committee passed House Bill 2104, which would require the State Board of Education to establish a standardized firearms safety curriculum that local districts may adopt. Proponents said it would teach safety; opponents and several representatives argued it reduces local control, raises fiscal concerns and could lock districts into a single
The committee voted to report House Bill 2104 favorably; the bill would require the State Board of Education to establish curriculum guidelines for a standardized firearms safety education program and permit local boards to elect whether to offer the program consistent with the State Board’s guidelines.
The Reviser's Office told the committee the measure mirrors language used in prior Safe Schools programming and would place curriculum‑setting authority with the State Board; local districts would retain the option to adopt the standardized program or continue other local programs.
Representative Sanders moved to pass HB 2104 out favorably; Representative S. Swartz seconded. Discussion included objections from several members who said the measure could limit local control over instructional content and could lock districts into a single program. Representative Mosley said local communities need flexibility to tailor gun safety instruction to local context and that the bill did not adequately address storage and community violence issues.
Representative Haskins (represented on the floor by another member) and others cited a fiscal note: a committee member noted a $70,000 fiscal note for the program and said departments are facing budget reductions. Representative Corbett argued in favor of the bill, saying similar measures have been introduced in other states and that the potential to save lives justified the spending. The committee voted by voice and the chair announced the motion carried.
Members recorded individual no votes. Representatives Orpiza, Martinez and Mosley asked to have their no votes recorded; Representative Clayton and Representative Reese later requested their no votes be recorded as well. Representative Wagner asked to have a yes vote recorded. The committee did not publish a full roll‑call tally in the hearing transcript; the motion was announced as passed.
What’s next: HB 2104 was reported favorably from committee and will proceed through the legislative process; members may pursue clarifying amendments and fiscal review as the bill moves forward.
