SCHOOL DISTRICT FIREARM SAFETY TRAINING

HB 324 requires all New Mexico public school districts and charter schools to provide annual firearm safety training to students in grades 6-12 starting in the 2027-2028 school year, with optional inclusion of grades K-5. The training must cover safe firearm storage, school safety protocols related to firearms, and specific steps for students who find a firearm (like not touching it and telling an adult), all developed by the Public Education Department and Public Safety Department. It mandates the training be age-appropriate, non-shooting (no live ammunition or firearms), viewpoint-neutral on gun rights, and prohibits branded commercial content. Schools must incorporate the approved training into their curriculum without requiring live firearm demonstrations.