GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1995

H	2 

HOUSE BILL 767
Committee Substitute Favorable 5/2/95

Short Title:  Eddie Eagle Gun Safety Program.	(Public)

─────────────────────────────────────── 
Sponsors:

─────────────────────────────────────── 
Referred to:  

─────────────────────────────────────── 

April 6, 1995

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT PROMOTING THE USE OF THE EDDIE EAGLE ELEMENTARY GUN SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAM IN STATE'S ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS.
Whereas, teaching children to act safely around firearms is a critical step in the effort to reduce the number of firearm-related accidents among children; and
Whereas, the Eddie Eagle Elementary Gun Safety Education Program teaches the fundamentals of firearms safety to children in an effective and enjoyable way, communicating to them the lifesaving message offered by the program: "If you see a gun, STOP! Don't touch.  Leave the area.  Tell an adult."; and
Whereas, the Eddie Eagle Elementary Gun Safety Education Program is a nationally recognized firearms safety program that has reached over six million children since 1988; and
Whereas, the Eddie Eagle Elementary Gun Safety Education Program was awarded the 1993 Outstanding Community Service Award of the National Safety Council; and
Whereas, the North Carolina General Assembly would like to encourage civic activism and volunteerism rather than impose new unfunded State mandates on local governments; and
Whereas, the North Carolina General Assembly commends the National Rifle Association for its diligence and service in developing the Eddie Eagle Elementary Gun Safety Education Program and making it available for use in our communities; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1.  G.S. 115C-81(c) reads as rewritten:
"(c)	(For effective date see notes) Local boards of education shall provide for the efficient teaching at appropriate grade levels of all materials set forth in the standard course of study, including integrated instruction in the areas of citizenship in the United States of America, government of the State of North Carolina, government of the United States, fire prevention, the free enterprise system, the dangers of harmful or illegal drugs, including alcohol, and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the hieimlich maneuver.
Except when a board authorizes teaching in a foreign language in order to comply with federal law, local boards of education shall require all teachers and principals to conduct classes except foreign language classes in English. Any teacher or principal who refuses to do so may be dismissed.
The North Carolina General Assembly encourages the State Board of Education to promote the use of the Eddie Eagle Elementary Gun Safety Education Program in State schools to help prevent firearm-related accidents among children.
The North Carolina General Assembly further encourages civic and community service organizations that are concerned about the safety and well-being of the children of this State to help provide funding for the Eddie Eagle Elementary Gun Safety Education Program at the local level."
Sec. 2.  This act is effective upon ratification.