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NC lawmakers consider bill to allow firearms course in high schools

By Liz Foster
By Liz Foster

North Carolina lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow a comprehensive firearms course to be taught in high schools.

It’s drawing support and sharp criticism.

"I don't even see the point in that," Jenny Rorie said.

Hickory Rep. Jay Adams filed House Bill 612 in Raleigh last week.

If it passes, it would authorize local boards of education to offer a comprehensive firearms course in high schools.

Rorie said the topic should be left out of classrooms.

"I don't think they should,” she said. “There's enough violence going on without them doing that."

The course would be developed by the North Carolina Board of Education and would incorporate history, math and science related to guns, as well as firearm safety.

The course would not allow live ammunition, so it would not include target or shooting practice.

"I think education, first and foremost, is essential, before actually obtaining a firearm," Allen Shaw said.

Under federal law, licensed gun dealers can't sell handguns to people under age 21. But you can be 18 and purchase a shotgun or rifle.

“If they have the opportunity to buy, they should have the opportunity to be educated,” Shaw said. “We've got too many people out there right now that are wanting to buy guns that don't have any background with them."

The bill has not yet been assigned to a House committee for review.

If passed, as written right now, the firearms course could be offered in schools in the next school year, starting in the fall.

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