Heather Grant

I am writing to oppose HB 1365, which would require all New Hampshire high school students to learn about hunting, wildlife management, and “responsible firearms usage.” While these topics may be valuable for families who choose to pursue them, they are not appropriate as mandatory curriculum for every student in our public schools. This bill once again shifts the responsibility for firearm safety away from the adults who own and use firearms and places it onto children. Firearm safety is — and must remain — an adult responsibility, not a burden placed on teenagers who may have no interest in firearms or whose families do not participate in hunting culture. New Hampshire has a long tradition of respecting personal choice and family autonomy. Mandating hunting and firearm-related instruction for all students disregards the diversity of our communities, our cultures, and our values. Families who want their children to learn these skills already have ample opportunities through hunter education programs, community organizations, and family instruction. Those who do not should not be compelled into it by the state. If the Legislature is concerned about firearm safety, the most direct and effective solution is to require safety training for adults who purchase and own firearms, not to impose a one-size-fits-all curriculum on every high school student. Finally, this bill adds yet another unfunded mandate to schools already stretched thin. Educators are not asking for this. Students are not asking for this. And it does nothing to address the real gaps in adult accountability around firearm ownership. For these reasons, I respectfully urge the committee to vote “Inexpedient to Legislate” on HB 1365. Thank you for your time and consideration.