Hourly Update

Bill OK'd to allow firearms course

PHOENIX - The Legislature has voted to allow public schools to offer an elective gun safety course that would have to include instruction on how firearms help protect peace and freedom. The House approved the bill (SB12761), 40-15, on Monday. The Senate approved it unanimously on Feb. 17 and it now goes to Gov. Janet Napolitano. State law already allows the state Game and Fish Department to provide training in safe handling of guns and bows at schools requesting the training. However, the bill would allow school districts and charter schools to offer a one-semester course in firearms marksmanship. Under the bill, the course would have to include instruction on gun safety, the basic operation of firearms, the history of firearms and marksmanship, "the role of firearms in preserving peace and freedom" and the "constitutional roots of the right to keep and bear arms." Also, students would have to practice shooting at an established range, be instructed on the use of clay targets and demonstrate competence with a .22-caliber rifle. Rep. Tom Prezelski, D-Tucson, called some of the provisions attempts to politically indoctrinate students. "I hope we have an opportunity do something that's strictly about gun safety and marksmanship," Prezleski said.