This bill amends existing laws to accommodate students attending courses in religious instruction provided by private organizations. It introduces new provisions that allow school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to adopt policies for awarding academic credit for such courses. The bill specifies that these policies must not consider the religious content or denominational affiliation of the course when determining if it meets educational program requirements. Additionally, it outlines the criteria for attendance and participation in these courses, including notification requirements, limits on absences, and the maintenance of attendance records by the private organization offering the instruction.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the definition of chronic absenteeism to exclude absences related to attending religious instruction courses, ensuring that such absences do not count against a student's attendance record. It also provides a mechanism for parents or guardians to seek legal recourse if they believe a school district has violated the provisions of the bill, allowing for civil action to be taken for injunctive relief and damages. Overall, the legislation aims to integrate religious instruction into the educational framework while safeguarding students' rights and ensuring compliance with educational standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256E.7, 279.87, 299.1, 299.12