By Susan Burton, Henry County Schools Communications Director
PARIS, TN – In compliance with newly enacted state legislation, the Henry County School System is implementing mandatory, annual firearm safety instruction for all students, Kindergarten through 12th grade, effective this school year.
Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-6-1016 now requires all public and charter schools across the state to provide age-appropriate, viewpoint-neutral instruction on firearm safety. This law, passed by the Tennessee General Assembly in 2024, is designed to provide students with the knowledge necessary to avoid injury if they encounter a firearm and to foster safer practices within our community.
The curriculum was developed through a collaborative effort between the Tennessee Department of Education, the Department of Safety, and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).
The district’s implementation adheres strictly to the following legal pillars:
Mandatory Participation: Under state law, this instruction is a requirement for all K-12 students.
Strictly Safety-Focused: The primary goal is accident prevention and knowing exactly what to do if a student encounters a firearm.
Political Neutrality: The legislation mandates that all instruction remains strictly neutral. It will not cover political topics, such as gun rights, the Second Amendment, or firearm policy.
No Live Weapons: Per state requirements, the use of live firearms, live ammunition, or live fire is strictly prohibited during all classroom instruction.
Photo: SRO Dennis Vaughn at HCHS.