The House Education Committee convened on January 23, 2025, to discuss several key pieces of legislation, including amendments to House Bill 144 and House Bill 104, which focuses on firearm safety in schools.

The meeting began with a motion to adopt the first amendment to House Bill 144, which pertains to school district contracting amendments. The motion was moved and passed without opposition, indicating unanimous support from the committee members. Following this, Vice Chair Kohler moved to recommend House Bill 144 as amended favorably. This motion also received unanimous approval from the committee.

Next on the agenda was House Bill 104, introduced by Representative Shipp, which aims to mandate firearm safety education in K-12 schools. Representative Shipp explained that while firearm safety instruction is currently optional, this bill would require schools to provide such education annually for students in kindergarten through sixth grade. He emphasized the importance of teaching children how to safely handle firearms, especially given the rise in accidental shootings involving children.

The proposed legislation includes a brief instructional session, approximately 15 to 20 minutes long, which could be integrated into existing school programs, such as physical education classes. For middle and high school students, the requirement would be to receive firearm safety instruction once during their time in those grades. Representative Shipp noted that the instruction would be developmentally appropriate and could align with hunter safety courses.

The committee discussed the necessity of having a concealed carry permit for instructors who would demonstrate firearm functionality during the sessions. This measure aims to ensure that safety is prioritized in the educational environment.

The meeting concluded with a clear progression of support for both bills, highlighting the committee's commitment to enhancing educational standards and safety protocols within Utah schools. Further discussions and potential follow-up actions are anticipated as these bills move forward in the legislative process.