A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA ENCOURAGING THE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION AND LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO ADOPT THE EDDIE EAGLE ELEMENTARY GUN SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAM.

WHEREAS, the loss of a child as the result of a firearm accident is a tragic event, made even more so because it is often preventable; and

WHEREAS, the citizens of Montana, as responsible firearms owners, must be diligent in the education of our children on the hazards of mishandling a firearm; and

WHEREAS, the Eddie Eagle Elementary Gun Safety Education Program teaches the fundamentals of firearm safety to children through a simple and clear lifesaving message that children are taught to remember and act upon when they see a firearm; and

WHEREAS, in 1997, the Montana Legislature enacted House Bill No. 314, encouraging school districts to establish and maintain a firearms safety education course; and

WHEREAS, the Eddie Eagle Elementary Gun Safety Education Program is a nationally recognized firearms safety program that has been taught to over 6 million children since 1988 and has been recognized by the National Safety Council as the Outstanding Community Service Program for 1993.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

That the Superintendent of Public Instruction be encouraged to promote the use of the Eddie Eagle Elementary Gun Safety Education Program in our schools to help prevent firearm-related accidents among children.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that local school districts all across Montana be encouraged to implement the provisions of House Bill No. 314 through the adoption of the Eddie Eagle Elementary Gun Safety Education Program in their schools.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Secretary of State send a copy of this resolution to the Superintendent of Public Instruction and to the Montana School Boards Association for dissemination to local school districts.

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I hereby certify that the within joint resolution,

HJ 0014, originated in the House.

Chief Clerk of the House

Speaker of the House

Signed this	day

of	, .

President of the Senate

Signed this	day

of	, .

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 14

INTRODUCED BY D. ADAMS, M. BRAINARD, J. ANDERSEN, G. GOLIE, B. KASTEN, F. SMITH,

A. WALTERS

A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA ENCOURAGING THE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION AND LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO ADOPT THE EDDIE EAGLE ELEMENTARY GUN SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAM.