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 the request of a student's parent, schools will excuse a student to attend a released-time course for at least one hour per week but no more than five hours per week 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.
This bill is similar to HB 1393 (2025).
Statutes affected: