North Michigan News

State Representative Parker Fairbairn has voted in favor of a bill that would allow schools to offer firearm safety programs. The vote took place on Wednesday and is part of an effort to introduce hunter's safety education in schools across Michigan.

"Like most northern Michigan residents, I’ve loved the outdoors for as long as I can remember," stated Fairbairn, R-Harbor Springs. "My brother and I attended hunter’s safety, years ago, and we still enjoy hunting together and with our dad. I’m proud to support legislation that will allow schools to offer students the opportunity to take hunter’s safety. Opening these pathways to the outdoors will help preserve Michigan’s hunting heritage and traditions and get thousands of young people into the woods to create life-long memories with their families and friends."

House Bill 4285, which Fairbairn co-sponsored, proposes an elective firearm safety program accessible to all schools. The program is set to be developed by the Michigan Department of Education along with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Course content will cover proper usage and handling of firearms, safe cleaning and maintenance practices, alongside safe hunting procedures.

The program requires compliance with DNR's safe firearm handling standards and must be taught by a certified DNR hunter-education instructor. School boards have the discretion to include this course within their physical education curriculum or as an optional extracurricular activity. Students have the option to opt out without any penalty or loss of academic credit.

Should the bill pass through the Senate and receive approval from the governor, implementation could start as early as this fall.