Minutes for SB522 - Committee on Federal and State Affairs

Short Title

Standardizing firearm safety education programs in school districts.

Minutes Content for Mon, Mar 14, 2022

The Chairman opened the hearing and called for Jason Long for an overview of the bill.

(Attachment 10)

The Chairman called for testimony on the bill.

Proponent Jason Watkins explained that the Eddie Eagle GunSafe program is a gun accident prevention program to teach a very basic message.

(Attachment 11)

Proponent Kent Keene supported the importance of the the goals of the bill and provided actual graphic presentations of the program.

(Attachment 12)

Rep. Penn called for more firearm safety education in the hope of helping the family and friends of a young person to avoid the pain of a firearm related accident.

(Attachment 13)

Proponent Rebecca Schmoe suggested teaching children how to be safe should provide common ground for everyone. Ms. Schmoe charged every adult with the inherit right and responsibility to educate children on how to deal with an unsafe firearm circumstance. Ms. Schmoe compared the proposed bill with Stranger Danger, DARE, Just Say No to Drugs and Drivers ED.

(Attachment 14)

Committee questions and comments ensued.

Written-Only Proponents:

Darren LaSorte, NSSF

(Attachment 15)

Written-Only Proponent:

Travis Couture-Lovelady, National Rifle Assn.

(Attachment 16)

Kent Royal, Self

(Attachment 17)

Christopher Tymeson, Safari Club International

(Attachment 18)

Opponent Aarushi Pore addressed her feelings about a firearm related situation in her school and was asked by the Chairman to address issues related to the bill.

(Attachment 19)

Written-Only Opponent:

Deena Horst, Kansas State Board of Education

(Attachment 20)

Ethel Edwards, Self

(Attachment 21)

Deb Boatright, Self

(Attachment 22)

LaTonya Boyd, Moms Demand Action (MDA)

(Attachment 23)

Leanna Barclay, MDA

(Attachment 24)