Missouri senators spent some time debating a bill that would help young students learn how to handle and respect a weapon. Like any other training, the younger you learn, the longer the lesson stays with you.

Senate Bill 75 would authorize school districts and charter schools to provide training and education about firearms safety and addressing potentially dangerous or armed intruders. Contrary to some reports people may be hearing, this legislation has nothing to do with gun control or the Second Amendment, and everything to do with ensuring children know what to do in the event of an emergency or how to react if they see a gun unattended.

The main point of Senate Bill 75 is a training course designed specifically for first graders. The NRA’s “Eddie Eagle Gunsafe Program” gives children a simple, effective action to take should they encounter a firearm in an unsupervised situation. If they see a gun, they are instructed to not touch it, and find an adult. It is the simplest lesson to teach children. A gun is not a toy.

A one-word change was made to this measure, which says schools “may” offer the Eddie Eagle course, instead of “shall” offer it. There were some senators who worried it would be a mandatory course for schools, rather than an optional program for school districts.

We had a busy week at our Jefferson City office as well, with groups representing Missouri school boards and superintendents, the Missouri Nurses Association, Missouri State Teachers Association, 4-H Legislative Academy and job shadows from the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America and 4-H. Thanks to all of them for making the trip and showing how much they care, not only about the 18th Senatorial District, but for all of Missouri. I really enjoyed getting to spend time with the members of all of these groups, and I hope to visit with them again.

We are already moving into the more hectic time of the legislative session. It is hard to believe we are about to move into the month of March. This means more time on the Missouri Senate floor and work on the Fiscal Year 2014 state budget. I will keep you apprised of our progress.

As always, if you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Thank you.