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Whitmer Approves Firearm Safety Electives In Michigan Schools
Russ Survance
Wed, 24 Dec 2025 11:36:59 EST
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Michigan students in grades six through twelve may soon have the option to take a firearm and hunter safety class at school under new legislation signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday.
The law directs the Michigan Department of Education to work with the Department of Natural Resources to create a voluntary curriculum covering safe firearm handling, maintenance, and hunting practices. Only certified hunter safety instructors may teach the class, and no live guns or ammunition will be allowed in schools.
Participation is optional for districts and students alike, but those who complete the elective will earn credit toward the state's hunter safety requirement for obtaining a hunting license.
State Rep. Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington) praised the measure as a way to preserve Michigan's hunting tradition and promote responsible firearm education. The Michigan United Conservation Clubs and the National Rifle Association backed the legislation, while the Michigan Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Network voiced opposition.
Education and natural resources officials say the new program can be developed and implemented using existing materials and funding.
