SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SJM 8009

               As Passed Senate, March 15, 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:  3/4/97 [DP].

Passed Senate, 3/15/97, 49-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Hochstatter, Chair; Finkbeiner, Vice Chair; Goings, Johnson, McAuliffe, Rasmussen and Zarelli.

Staff:  Susan Mielke (786-7422)

Background:  The National Rifle Association, 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 National Rifle Association's Eddie Eagle Gun Safety Program to help prevent firearms accidents among children.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Testimony For:  The NRA are leaders in proven firearm safety programs.  The Eddie Eagle Gun Safety Program focuses on young children, pre-kindergarten through 6th grade.  It does not teach that guns are good or bad.  It does not teach safe methods to handle firearms.  It does teach the four things young children should do if they find a firearm:  stop, don=t touch it, leave the area, tell an adult.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Senator Rasmussen, prime sponsor (pro); Joe Waldron, Goal of WA (pro).