Bill > SB112

This bill establishes the "School Released Time Education Act" in Louisiana, allowing public school boards to authorize students to participate in off-campus religious instruction courses during school hours, provided parents give written consent. The act defines key terms like "parent," "released time course," and "sponsoring entity" (a tax-exempt religious organization), and outlines requirements for these programs, including parental approval, transportation insurance if provided by the sponsoring entity, and criminal background checks for instructors. Schools and school boards are to be free from liability for injuries occurring during these off-campus courses or transportation, with liability resting solely on the sponsoring entity. The bill also specifies that these courses cannot be held on school property unless there's a neutral policy allowing community groups equal access, and it allows for academic credit to be awarded if instructors meet certain qualifications and report student progress. Finally, it clarifies that this act does not supersede constitutional protections regarding religious freedom.