LANSING — Legislation that would allow Michigan public schools to offer optional hunter safety and firearm safety education as an elective has cleared both chambers of the Legislature and is now awaiting action by the governor.
The bill, House Bill 4285, was introduced March 25, 2025, by state Rep. Curt VanderWall, R-Ludington. The measure would permit local school districts to offer voluntary hunter safety instruction aligned with Michigan Department of Natural Resources standards. Participation by schools and students would be optional, and districts would not be required to add the course.
VanderWall said he was encouraged by the bill’s advancement after several years of legislative work.
“Very excited to see this bill advance to the governor’s desk,” VanderWall said in a recent Facebook post. “This is a great opportunity for our young people to learn and enjoy the outdoors in our great state.”
He also highlighted the bill during his weekly live update Sunday, calling its passage a major milestone.
“We finished off with a very long day of votes,” VanderWall said. “Probably the biggest highlight for me, which I was really pleased about after three years of work, was getting 4285 across the finish line, which is allowing hunter safety to be taught in our schools. It is not mandatory. It is voluntary, but really cool to see that we got that passed and we’re moving on.”
The Michigan Senate approved the bill unanimously on Dec. 18, sending it to the governor without amendment. Sen. Jon Bumstead, R-Norton Shores, whose district includes Mason County, voted in favor of the legislation. The bill had previously passed the House by a 101-7 vote.
Under the legislation, the Michigan Department of Education would work with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to develop a model curriculum. Courses would be required to meet DNR hunter education standards and be taught by certified instructors. Live firearms and ammunition would not be permitted on school grounds as part of the instruction.
Completion of the course would satisfy Michigan’s hunter safety education requirement for first-time hunters seeking a license.
The bill drew support from state agencies and conservation and education-related organizations. According to statements from bill sponsors and legislative summaries, both the Michigan Department of Education and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources supported the framework outlined in the legislation, including joint development of a model curriculum aligned with existing hunter education standards. Support was also cited from the Michigan Natural Resources Commission and the Michigan United Conservation Clubs. News reports on the bill’s passage noted backing from national organizations across the firearms policy spectrum, including the National Rifle Association and the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, citing the bill’s emphasis on safety education and its voluntary nature.
VanderWall said the broad bipartisan support and agency backing strengthen the bill’s prospects.
“It was very nice to see that the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Education both supported the bill,” he said. “That’s why we feel so strongly that the governor will sign that into law.”
If signed, the law would take effect later this year, allowing school districts to decide whether to offer the elective.