HELENA — In August, MTN reported that Montana state leaders were expressing concerns (https://www.ktvh.com/news/arntzen-seeks-clarity-on-how-federal-rule- may-affect-hunting-education-at-schools) Federal law could lead to a loss of funding for school-based hunting education and archery programs. The law has now been changed to avoid that.
The issue stems from the bipartisan Safer Communities Act, passed last year in the wake of the Uvalde, Texas, school shooting. The legislation included changes to gun safety regulations as well as investments in mental health and school safety programs.
One section of the law prohibits certain federal education funds from being used to “provide any person with a dangerous weapon” or to train anyone in the use of such a weapon. Earlier this year, hunting education advocates across the country came forward to argue that the U.S. Department of Education’s interpretation of this provision would defund hunting and archery programs.
Last month, Congress overwhelmingly approved a House bill that added an exemption, restricting funding to “provide students with educational instruction or enrichment activities such as archery, hunting, other shooting sports, or the culinary arts. It does not apply to the program.” ” President Joe Biden signed the bill last week.
Democratic Sen. Jon Tester was the lead sponsor of a bipartisan bill in the Senate to make similar changes. He said in a statement that the changes are to protect the Montana way of life.
“Our school has a proud tradition of offering hunter safety classes to teach students gun safety and personal responsibility,” Tester said. “But recently, the Biden administration and bureaucrats here in Washington, D.C., who do not understand our Montana values, have decided to block funding for these important education programs. It was offered at Big Sandy when I was a child attending school, and it is important that our children and grandchildren have the same opportunities.”
Republican Sen. Steve Daines said in a post on X that Biden “came back to his senses” by agreeing to sign the bill.
“Joe Biden is finally listening to Montanans and today signed legislation that reverses his decision to water down Montana’s hunter safety and archery courses,” Daines said. “Our Montana way of life is not negotiable, Mr. President.”
Montana Public Schools Superintendent Elsie Arntzen had asked the Department of Education to reconsider its interpretation. Her office issued a statement praising the law reform.
“President Biden bowed to pressure and recognized that there are many good, law-abiding families who support Second Amendment rights,” Arntzen said. “Teaching children hunting and archery safety has a long and strong tradition in our public schools. I am pleased to lead the fight to protect hunting and archery safety education for children. ”