TX HB3587

Requires the State Board of Education to mandate firearm safety instruction for students in grades 6 through 12, with each student receiving the instruction at least once before high school graduation

Instruction must be based on a firearms accident prevention program that has been in operation for at least 30 years and developed by a task force including educators, law enforcement officials, clinical psychologists, and firearm safety experts from a national rifle association

Prohibits instruction from including firearm operation, carry/use qualifications, or the use of operational firearms; focuses only on simple steps for students to follow if they encounter a firearm

Instructors must be certified by a recognized national or state firearm association, civilian marksmanship program, or private firearms training organization, or be an active or retired law enforcement officer

Parents may opt their child out of the instruction through written request without any disciplinary or academic penalty, and schools must provide written notice to parents at least two weeks before instruction occurs

Applies to public school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, and private schools receiving state education funding, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year