Bill > LB550

This bill requires Nebraska school districts to adopt a policy allowing students to be excused from school for at least one class period per week to attend a "released time course" for religious instruction. The bill defines key terms like "released time course" (a religious instruction course during which students are excused from public school) and establishes specific requirements for implementing such a policy. These requirements include obtaining written consent from parents or guardians, maintaining attendance records, providing transportation, ensuring the sponsoring entity assumes liability for students during the course, and prohibiting the use of school district funds except for minimal administrative costs. The bill also stipulates that students excused for such courses will be considered present for school funding and attendance purposes. School districts may optionally award academic credit for these courses, but must evaluate them using neutral, secular criteria and cannot consider religious content. The bill allows aggrieved parties to bring civil actions against school districts for violations, with potential remedies including actual damages, equitable relief, and attorney's fees. Given the emergency clause, this legislation would take effect immediately upon passage.