The bill, S.B. No. 1049, amends the Texas Education Code to allow for excused absences from public school for students attending released time courses, which are defined as courses in religious instruction offered by private entities. Specifically, it adds a new provision under Section 25.0875 that mandates school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to excuse students from attending school for up to five hours a week to participate in these courses, provided that a parent or legal guardian requests it. The bill also outlines requirements for school districts to adopt policies regarding these absences, including the need for written consent from parents, maintenance of attendance records by the private entity offering the course, and the assumption of transportation and liability responsibilities.

Additionally, the bill modifies Section 25.087(b) of the Education Code by adding a new reason for excused absences, specifically for attending a released time course. It also includes several stipulations to ensure that the provision of released time courses does not interfere with the school district's resources or operations, such as prohibiting the use of district funds for these courses and restricting their offering on school property unless under a neutral policy of equal access. The new policy must be adopted by all school districts and charter schools by January 1, 2026, and the act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 25.087 (Education Code 25)