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Bill > HB1201
MS HB1201
MS HB1201Released-time religious instruction; require school districts to allow off-campus during school day.
summary
Introduced
01/19/2026
01/19/2026
In Committee
01/19/2026
01/19/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/03/2026
02/03/2026
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An Act To Authorize Local School Boards To Permit The Released-time Religious Instruction Of Pupils; To Require School Boards To Allow Those Students Desiring Released-time Religious Instruction To Participate In The Instruction Off-site For At Least One Hour, One Day Each Week; To Prohibit The School District From Providing Or Facilitating Released-time Religious Instruction On School Premises; To Permit Local School Boards To Make Arrangements With The Persons In Charge Of The Released-time Religious Instruction As The Board Deems Necessary And Advisable; To Provide That Students Shall Not Be Penalized Or Considered Absent From The School For Purposes Of Attending Released-time Religious Instruction; To Provide That Students Who Do Not Participate In Released-time Religious Instruction Shall Continue In The Regular Course Of Daily Instruction; To Provide That Released-time Religious Instruction Shall Be Given Without Expense To Any Local School Board; To Amend Section 37-13-91, Mississippi Code Of 1972, In Conformity To The Preceding Provisions; And For Related Purposes.
AI Summary
This bill requires school districts to allow students to participate in released-time religious instruction off-campus during the school day, with students being excused for at least one hour per week to attend religious services at their place of worship or another designated location, provided they have parental consent. The bill explicitly prohibits schools from providing or facilitating this religious instruction on school grounds, and students participating will not be penalized or considered absent from school for this time, with the instruction being free of charge to the school district. Additionally, the bill amends the Mississippi Compulsory School Attendance Law to include participation in an approved released-time religious instruction program as a valid excuse for absence, ensuring that students who do not participate continue with their regular school day.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Died In Committee (on 02/03/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB1201.xml |
| BillText | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2026/html/HB/1200-1299/HB1201IN.htm |
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