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AUSTIN, TX — A newly proposed bill in the Texas Legislature could allow public high school students to take a gun safety and hunter education course as part of their physical education curriculum. House Bill 1085, authored by Representatives Pat Curry and Helen Kerwin, aims to introduce a “lifetime recreation and outdoor pursuits” course that includes a hunter education component, providing students with valuable outdoor skills and firearm safety education.
The bill was filed on November 12, 2024, and was recently considered in a public hearing before the House Public Education Committee on March 18, 2025. It remains pending in committee as lawmakers deliberate on its potential impact and implementation.
Promoting Outdoor Education and Firearm Safety
Representative Curry emphasized the importance of integrating outdoor activities and gun education into school curriculums.
“It’s beneficial to have physical education that supports outdoor activities and can teach about guns and gun safety,” Curry told KXXV.
The proposed course would satisfy the physical education credit required for Texas public school students, offering an alternative to traditional gym classes while equipping students with essential firearm safety knowledge.
Addressing Hunter Safety Requirements
The course would also pave the way for students interested in hunting by preparing them for state licensing requirements.
“For children who want to get into hunting, you are required to
get a license once you are 16 years old to complete a hunter safety course in the state of Texas and many states by the way. That hunter safety course in Texas transfers for the rest of your life,” Curry explained.
With hunting being a significant part of Texas culture, the bill aims to ensure that young individuals receive proper training and education before handling firearms in outdoor recreational settings.
Parental Approval and Implementation
If passed, the bill would allow school districts to offer the course as an elective, ensuring participation remains optional. Parents would have to provide approval before students could enroll. The curriculum would be developed in collaboration with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, ensuring that all educational material meets state safety and conservation standards.
Should the bill pass, the course could be available to students as early as the 2025-2026 school year. The bill requires a two-thirds majority vote for immediate effect; otherwise, it would take effect on September 1, 2025.
A Step Forward in Firearm Education
HB 1085 represents a significant step toward promoting responsible firearm education among Texas youth. By integrating gun safety into schools, students can develop a foundational understanding of firearm handling, hunting ethics, and outdoor recreation. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to ensure that individuals who choose to own or use firearms do so responsibly and safely.
As the bill awaits further legislative action, it has garnered attention from both supporters and critics, with proponents arguing that such education could reduce accidental firearm incidents and better prepare young hunters for safe participation in outdoor activities.
Potential Impact and Next Steps
The bill remains in committee, and its future will depend on further legislative discussions. As lawmakers continue to review HB 1085, Texas residents can follow its progress and provide input through public hearings or by reaching out to their state representatives.
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