HOUSE BILL REPORT

                 SJM 8009

                       As Passed House

                        April 9, 1997

Brief Description:  Promoting the use of the Eddie Eagle Gun Safety Program in our schools.

Sponsors:  Senators Rasmussen, Roach, Hochstatter, Hargrove, Stevens, Wood, Long, Loveland, Winsley and Kohl.

Brief History:

  Committee Activity:

Education:  4/1/97, 4/3/97 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House:  4/9/97, 97‑0.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 11 members:  Representatives Johnson, Chairman; Hickel, Vice Chairman; Cole, Ranking Minority Member; Keiser, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Linville; Quall; Smith; Sterk; Sump; Talcott and Veloria.

Staff:  Joe Hauth (786-7111).

Background:  The National Rifle Association (NRA), in cooperation with education professionals and others, has developed the Eddie Eagle Gun Safety Program.  The program is designed for children in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade.  It teaches the fundamentals of firearms safety to children and emphasizes correct safety procedures through workbooks, games, a video, class discussion, and role-playing scenarios.  Eddie Eagle is the program's feathered mascot.

Summary of Bill:  A memorial is to be sent to the Superintendent of Public Instruction, and each public school district in the state.  The memorial encourages school districts to promote the use of the NRA=s Eddie Eagle Gun Safety Program to help prevent firearms accidents among children.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Testimony For:  This bill encourages firearm safety.  There are real-life incidents where gun safety training is critical to prevent an accident.  We are impressed with the NRA=s safety training program.  We support strong training programs.  The Eddie Eagle program was created by psychologists and educational experts.  The message is simple: stop, don=t touch, leave the area, and tell an adult.  The program is available through a variety of organizations and civic groups, and should be available in the schools.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Senator Rasmussen, prime sponsor; Myrtle Cooper, citizen; Brian Judy, National Rifle Association; and Joe Waldron, Gun Owners Action League.