The bill revises existing 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 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 the completion of a religious instruction released time course, recognizing credits from independently accredited providers. If a school district chooses to award credit, it must evaluate the course based on secular criteria, ensuring that the evaluation process is neutral regarding religious content or denominational affiliation. The bill outlines specific secular criteria that may be used for evaluation, including classroom instruction hours, course syllabus review, assessment methods, and instructor qualifications. 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