SECOND REGULAR SESSION

House Concurrent Resolution No. 32

94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

5407L.01I

      Whereas, the most precious and valuable asset of our state and nation is our children, and we must dedicate ourselves, our energy, and our resources to the nurturing and protection of these most vulnerable individuals; and

            Whereas, teaching children to act safely around firearms is a critical effort to reduce the number of firearm-related accidents involving children; and

            Whereas, committed to keeping children safe from guns, the National Rifle Association created the "Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program" designed to teach the fundamentals of firearm safety to children in an effective and enjoyable way, communicating to them the lifesaving message offered by the Program: "If you see a gun: STOP! Don't Touch. Leave the Area. Tell an Adult"; and

            Whereas, the nationally-recognized Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program has been used by more than 26,000 public and private schools, law enforcement agencies, and civic organizations, and has reached 21 million children since 1988; and

            Whereas, the Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program has been endorsed or recommended by numerous groups, such as the National Sheriffs' Association, the United States Department of Justice, the Association of American Educators, as well as 23 State Legislatures and 26 State Governors:

            Now, therefore, be it resolved that the members of the House of Representatives of the Ninety-fourth General Assembly, Second Regular Session, the Senate concurring therein, hereby recognize the National Rifle Association for its diligence and services in developing the "Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program" and the Association's twentieth anniversary; and

            Be it further resolved that the General Assembly encourages the civic and community organizations which are concerned about the safety and well-being of the children of our state to help provide funding for the Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program at the local level; and

            Be it further resolved that the General Assembly encourages the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to promote the use of the Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program in our schools to help prevent firearm-related accidents involving children; and

            Be it further resolved that the Chief Clerk of the Missouri House of Representatives be instructed to prepare a properly inscribed copy of this resolution for D. Kent King, the Commissioner of Education.

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