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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House2026-05-05

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill requires North Carolina public schools to teach firearm safety and conflict de-escalation instruction annually starting in kindergarten, allows parents to opt out of either or both programs, and creates a statewide system for courts to search mental health records during concealed handgun permit applications. It also expands judicial authority to issue involuntary commitment orders and funds a pilot program to pair mental health professionals with law enforcement.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill enhances public safety by teaching children how to safely handle found firearms and avoid injury, while de-escalation training helps students manage conflicts peacefully.
• •They contend that requiring mental health record searches for gun permits prevents individuals in crisis from obtaining firearms, and that co-responder programs improve mental health crisis response by pairing trained professionals with police.
• •The opt-out provision respects parental choice in their children's education.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents worry the firearm safety instruction could normalize guns in schools and conflict with some families' values, despite the opt-out option.
• •They raise concerns about privacy and due process regarding automatic mental health record searches for permit applicants, questioning whether past involuntary commitments should permanently restrict gun rights.
• •Some also question whether co-responder programs adequately address root causes of mental health crises or if funding should prioritize mental health services over enforcement partnerships.