Lawmaker Defends Bill Requiring Gun Safety Course for First Graders

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- State Sen. Dan Brown said there is nothing wrong with his bill that would require Missouri first graders to be taught a course urging gun safety.

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During a press conference, Brown, R-Rolla, attempted to take back the conversation on his bill from critics who have widely denounced his proposal to teach a class designed and paid for by the National Rifle Association.

"Hopefully we can get a few things straightened out," he said.

His bill requires Eddie Eagle GunSafe course, which is provided to educators by the NRA, or a similar course, to be taught to students in first grade. The program encourages children to not approach a weapon if they see one.

"Stop, don't touch, leave the area, and tell an adult," the course's promotional video says in a song.

Brown said the legislation would not at all allow for a gun to be in the classroom. He added that he felt critics of the legislation simply do not understand what they are talking about when referring to his bill.

"We teach citizenship, social skills," he said. "We need to teach students how to respond."

An additional part of his bill would offer a training course for teachers on how to respond to an intruder or active shooter.

The legislation was heard before a Senate Committee on Tuesday. Brown said the legislation may be voted on in committee sometime next week.