SPONSOR: Hurlbert
This bill creates the "Missouri Released Time Education Act". The bill defines "released time course" as a course in religious instruction taught by an independent sponsoring entity that a student is excused from school to attend, and requires school districts to adopt a policy to excuse a student from school to attend a released time course.
Upon parent request, schools will excuse a student to attend a released time course for at least 1 hour per week but not more than 5 hours if specified conditions outlined in the bill are met.
Attendance for a released time course will be excused and not count against a school for state aid purposes or the student for attendance requirements.
School districts will adopt a policy that awards credit for the completion of a released time course and recognize the credits awarded by an accredited provider of such courses. Such credit will be awarded based on criteria within the bill on a neutral basis, and the bill outlines a cause for civil action for any violation.
Statutes affected: