Purpose

• Establish a grant program to increase firearms safety, trap shooting, archery, hunting, and angling activities in physical education (PE) courses in Minnesota school districts, in a way that aligns with required state PE standards.

Main Provisions (What the bill would do)

• Subd.1 Program: The commissioner of natural resources must create a grant program to fund increased firearms safety, trap shooting, archery, hunting, and angling activities in PE classes across Minnesota schools.
• Subd.2 Eligibility: A school district or American Indian–controlled Tribal contract or grant school may apply to participate. The commissioner must strive for geographic balance among participating schools.
• Subd.3 Reporting: By January 15, 2027, the commissioner must submit a written report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over K–12 education and natural resources finance and policy. The report must cover funded activities and program outcomes.
• Subd.4 Funding and Use: A one-time appropriation of $1,000,000 from the general fund is provided in fiscal year 2027 to implement the program. Funds may be used for:
  • Department of Natural Resources personnel costs
  • Curriculum development
  • Reporting costs
  • School staff training
  • Outdoor sports licenses for participating students
  • Equipment used in courses

Funding, Administration, and Oversight

• The program is administered by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and is designed to add and support specific outdoor activities within school PE programs.
• Activities funded must be consistent with state PE standards.

Changes to Existing Law (Significant shifts)

• Creates a new grant program within the Department of Natural Resources to fund firearm safety, trap shooting, archery, hunting, and angling activities in school PE.
• Adds a statewide funding mechanism (one-time $1,000,000 general fund appropriation for FY2027) to support curriculum, training, licenses, and equipment for participating students.
• Establishes eligibility rules for which schools can participate (districts and American Indian–controlled Tribal contracts or grant schools) and requires geographic balancing in participation.
• Introduces a formal reporting requirement to legislators on program activities and outcomes.

Timelines and Accountability

• Requires a formal report by January 15, 2027 detailing what was funded and the outcomes of the program.

Scope of Activities Funded

• Includes firearms safety instruction, trap shooting, archery, hunting, and angling within PE settings.
• Could involve development of curriculum, staff training, and providing licenses and equipment necessary for participation.

Relevant Terms - grant program - firearms safety - trap shooting - archery - hunting - angling - physical education (PE) - state standards for physical education - Department of Natural Resources (DNR) - school district - American Indian–controlled Tribal contract - grant school - geographic balance - report - January 15, 2027 - general fund - fiscal year 2027 - one-time appropriation - curriculum development - outdoor sports licenses - participating students - equipment used in courses