Missouri Bill: Teach 1st-Graders About Guns

Reading, writing, arithmetic, and gun knowledge? Yes, a Missouri lawmaker wants students taught about guns—in first grade. GOP state Sen. Dan Brown introduced Senate Bill 75, which would require schools to use the Eddie Eagle Gunsafe Program or similar. The program was designed by the NRA, and its website says it teaches kids "important steps to take if they find a gun," as presented by mascot Eddie Eagle. But opponents of the bill say that exposing children to guns at all will get them interested in weapons.

The bill assures that firearms would be prohibited while the program is being taught, and teachers can't make "value judgements about firearms" publicly, KAIT-8 reports. It would also require simulated active shooter drills, and for teachers and other school employees to receive training for how to deal with a school shooting situation. (More Missouri stories.)