Bill > HB1139

This bill creates the Released Time Education Act, which allows students in public school districts and open-enrollment public charter schools to be excused from school for religious moral instruction, upon parental request. Specifically, the bill permits parents, legal guardians, or persons acting in place of parents to request that their child be released from school to attend a released time course, which is defined as a religious moral instruction course taught by an independent entity. The bill stipulates that students can be excused from school for a minimum of one hour and a maximum of five hours per week to attend these courses. This legislation provides a formal framework for students to participate in off-campus religious education during the school day, while setting clear parameters around the duration and process of such absences.

Education

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1139&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R