CHAIRMAN LEMAN brings up HCR 27 (SUPPORT NRA GUN SAFETY PROGRAM) as the next order of business before the committee. The chairman calls the prime sponsor to testify. Number 550 REPRESENTATIVE CON BUNDE, prime sponsor of HCR 27 states HCR 27 would ask the schools to address the growing problem of the high incidence of young people involved in gun accidents. The materials provided in the gun safety program would be provided at no cost to public schools by the NRA (National Rifle Association). The program does not advocate gun ownership or teach the use of guns, but is aimed at protecting very young children. Representative Bunde equates the program in HCR 27 with the "stop, drop, and roll" fire safety mantra. The catch-phrase for the gun safety program being "If you see a gun, leave the area, tell an adult." The fact that the program is sponsored by the NRA is a red flag for some people, but it really does not advocate any of the NRA's philosophical positions about firearms. Number 520 CHAIRMAN LEMAN thanks Representative Bundy for making a tape of the program available, but the committee is running short on time, so he asks members to watch it on their own time if they wish to do so. The chairman asks if there is any discussion among committee members and if there is anyone in the audience who wishes to testify on HCR 27. Hearing none, he asks Representative Bunde if there has been any opposition voiced to the resolution. REPRESENTATIVE BUNDE states he has not. He says it is an encouragement to schools to have this education, and is certainly not a mandate. CHAIRMAN LEMAN asks Mr. George if he would like to testify. Number 512 JOHN GEORGE, Alaska Outdoor Council states the council supports the concept of training kids to be gunsafe. He would like to have a copy of the tape Representative Bunde has, because his wife is a first grade teacher. SENATOR ELLIS asks if the resolution is necessary, if there is anything stopping this training from occurring now. REPRESENTATIVE BUNDE responds it is just an encouragement. SENATOR TAYLOR comments as the world becomes a more dangerous place, the incidence of gun accidents will probably increase. He suggests gun safety should be mandated, as opposed to merely recommending it. REPRESENTATIVE BUNDE says using the least draconian method is the first step. If we find we need a more assertive expression of our will, then perhaps we can do that in the future. The only resistance Representative Bunde says could possible exist, is the fear that perhaps something is being advocated from the NRA, which is not an uncontroversial organization. Number 488 SENATOR MILLER makes a motion to discharge HCR 27 from the Senate State Affairs Committee with individual recommendations. CHAIRMAN LEMAN, hearing no objection, orders HCR 27 released from committee with individual recommendations.