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Rep. Todd’s bill lets schools offer state‑approved hunter education; TWRA oversight required
Summary
House Bill 25 88 would permit local school districts and charter schools to offer state‑approved hunter education to students in grades 5–12 as part of PE, health, or safety instruction; TWRA approval is required for certification courses and the agency may reimburse after‑school offerings with federal funds. The subcommittee advanced the bill 5–1.
The subcommittee moved House Bill 25 88, sponsored by Representative Todd, to full education after discussion about oversight and funding. Todd said the bill permits LEAs and public charter schools to offer TWRA‑approved hunter education for students in grades 5–12 and that participation would be optional.
“This allows local school districts and public charter schools the option to offer hunter education course to students in grades 5 through 12,” Todd said. He told members any course offered for certification must be approved by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) to ensure consistent hunter‑safety standards.
Members pressed on costs and scheduling. Representative Johnson asked whether money is allotted for schools that choose to run the program; Todd said TWRA intends to encourage after‑school offerings that the agency would fund via federal reimbursement (he referenced the ability to draw down federal funds, possibly Pittman‑Robertson dollars). Todd added that if a district runs the program during the school day, existing school funding applies and federal reimbursement would not supplant that funding.
Representative Barrett and others clarified that the bill is permissive and that a TWRA‑approved course would provide certification while a non‑certification course could offer general education on hunting safety. The clerk reported a 5–1 subcommittee vote to advance HB2588 to full education.
