Ensure the Safety of Minors Through Firearm Discovery Education

 

The purpose of this Act is to ensure the safety of minors through firearm discovery education. This Act establishes a

required instructional program to teach children and adolescents what to do if they find a firearm. The program shall

include a four-step process designed to guide students in responding safely and responsibly when encountering a firearm.

Each school shall designate an appropriate time during the academic year to provide this instruction, ensuring that all

students receive age-appropriate education on firearm discovery safety without the ability to opt out.

 

Firearm safety education for youth is a critical measure to protect children and adolescents from preventable harm. In

Tennessee, legislation now requires that public and charter schools provide annual, age- and grade-appropriate

instruction on firearm safety. This law would specifically mandate instruction in how to avoid injury if a student finds

a firearm, to never touch a found firearm, and to immediately notify an adult of its location. The four-step educational

process for children ages 5–18 in Minnesota; teaching them what to do if they encounter a firearm:

1. Stop if you find a firearm.

2. Don’t touch the firearm under any circumstances.

3. Leave the room to avoid temptation or potential danger.

4. Tell an adult immediately about what you found.

Incorporating this simple and memorable process into the school curriculum would ensure that students learn how to

respond safely and responsibly when faced with the presence of a firearm. Incorporating this process into Minnesota

schools’ existing health and safety instruction is practical and ensures children learn to respond safely, reducing the

risk of injury from unsecured firearms. With the no opt-out rule in place, this would be equivalent to a bus, fire,

tornado, or intruder drill and would be treated with the same level of importance, routine practice, and administrative

oversight to ensure student safety and preparedness.

 

 

1. Child / Minor – Any individual enrolled in a public or charter school between the ages of 5 and 18.

2. Firearm – Any device designed to expel a projectile through a barrel by the action of an explosive or other

propellant.

3. Found Firearm – Any firearm that a student encounters that does not belong to them or is not in their immediate

possession.

4. School – Any public or charter school within the jurisdiction of the state responsible for providing the educational

instruction described in this Act.

5. Firearm Discovery Education – Instructional programming designed to teach children how to respond safely if they

encounter a firearm. This instruction shall include a four-step process:

-Stop if a firearm is found.

-Do not touch the firearm under any circumstances.

-Leave the room to avoid temptation or potential danger.

-Tell an adult immediately about the firearm.

6. Adult – Any parent, guardian, teacher, school staff member, or responsible adult who can ensure the safety of the

student and others when a firearm is discovered.

7. Health and Safety Instruction – School lessons that promote students’ well-being and safe behavior, including

personal health, injury prevention, and firearm safety.

8. Administrative Oversight – Monitoring and guidance by school or state authorities to ensure programs are implemented

correctly and consistently.

 

Implementation of this Act shall not require additional state funding. Schools shall incorporate the four-step firearm

safety process into existing classroom instruction, such as health, safety, or advisory periods. Teachers may develop

their own instructional materials, provided that the lesson clearly communicates the four steps:

1. Stop if a firearm is found.

2. Do not touch the firearm.

3. Leave the room to avoid temptation or danger.

4. Tell an adult immediately.

This approach allows schools to implement the program efficiently and effectively without incurring extra costs.

 

-The Department may provide guidance and require a corrective plan for schools that do not comply.

-Continued noncompliance may be noted in school evaluations and may lead to Loss of Recognition or Awards- Schools that

don’t comply may be ineligible for state or departmental safety program recognitions or grants (if applicable).

 

This Act will take effect on August 1, 2026.