Bill > SB278

This bill amends the Alabama Released Time Credit Act to establish a more structured framework for religious instruction during the school day. The bill clarifies that local school districts can offer released time programs, which allow students to participate in religious instruction off school property during the school day. Under the new provisions, school boards must now implement a policy allowing released time as an elective course, contingent on specific requirements such as parental consent, attendance record-keeping, liability provisions, and ensuring no public funds are used beyond minimal administrative costs. Students in grades where credit is earned may receive elective course credit for participating in released time, with the State Board of Education establishing standards for credit and attendance. The bill emphasizes that no public school personnel can be involved in providing religious instruction, transportation to and from released time is the responsibility of the sponsoring entity or student's family, and students cannot be released from required core curriculum classes. The legislation also provides flexibility for local boards of education to tailor their policies while maintaining compliance with the law, and it grandfathers in existing released time policies adopted before July 1, 2025. The act will become effective on July 1, 2025.

Education

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