The bill amends Section 16-1-20.6 of the Code of Alabama 1975, known as the Alabama Released Time Credit Act, to enhance the provision of elective credit for students attending religious instruction during the school day. Key changes include the requirement that local boards of education "shall" implement policies for allowing students to attend released time as an elective course, replacing the previous language that allowed them to "may" do so. The bill also clarifies that the State Board of Education will set rules for awarding elective credit and establishes that students participating in released time will be credited with time spent as if they attended school.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions that local boards of education can tailor their policies to meet specific needs while ensuring compliance with the law, and it specifies that existing policies permitting released time instruction prior to July 1, 2025, do not need to be amended as long as they comply with applicable laws. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 16-1-20
Engrossed: 16-1-20