The bill revises education laws concerning religious instruction released time programs in Montana. It mandates that school district trustees must provide a program that allows students to be released from regular school attendance for at least one hour each week for religious instruction, upon written request from a parent or guardian. The bill also clarifies that public school property cannot be used for religious instruction, and public funds cannot be utilized for this purpose. Additionally, it ensures that the time a student is released for religious instruction does not negatively impact their enrollment status, attendance record, or the school district's funding calculations.

Furthermore, the bill authorizes school district trustees to adopt policies that award academic credit for completed religious instruction released time courses, with specific requirements for evaluating these courses based on secular criteria. This includes assessing the number of instructional hours, reviewing course syllabi, evaluating assessment methods, and considering the qualifications of instructors. The decision to award credit must remain neutral regarding religious content or denominational affiliation. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 20-1-308
HB0343_1(1): 20-1-308
HB0343_1(2): 20-1-308
HB0343_1(3): 20-1-308
HB0343_1(4): 20-1-308
HB0343_1(5): 20-1-308
HB0343_1: 20-1-308
HB0343_2(1): 20-1-308
HB0343_2(10): 20-1-308
HB0343_2(11): 20-1-308
HB0343_2(2): 20-1-308
HB0343_2(3): 20-1-308
HB0343_2(4): 20-1-308
HB0343_2(5): 20-1-308
HB0343_2(6): 20-1-308
HB0343_2(7): 20-1-308
HB0343_2(8): 20-1-308
HB0343_2(9): 20-1-308
HB0343_2: 20-1-308
HB0343_X(1): 20-1-308
HB0343_X(10): 20-1-308
HB0343_X(2): 20-1-308
HB0343_X(3): 20-1-308
HB0343_X(4): 20-1-308
HB0343_X(5): 20-1-308
HB0343_X(6): 20-1-308
HB0343_X(7): 20-1-308
HB0343_X(8): 20-1-308
HB0343_X(9): 20-1-308
HB0343_X: 20-1-308