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 for at least one hour of religious instruction each week, upon written request from a parent or guardian. The bill also specifies that the trustees shall determine the amount of time for which a pupil may be released, ensuring it is not less than one hour per week. Additionally, it clarifies that public school property cannot be used for religious instruction, and public funds cannot be utilized for this purpose.

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, and evaluating assessment methods and instructor qualifications. The decision to award credit must remain neutral regarding religious content or denominational affiliation. The bill 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