AL HB184

Local boards of education may adopt policies authorizing high school students to be excused from school during the day to attend religious instruction classes conducted by private entities.

Students may earn up to one elective course credit for participating in released time religious instruction, as determined by each local board of education.

Requirements include written parental consent, attendance record maintenance by the sponsoring entity, transportation responsibility of the sponsoring entity or parent, liability assumption by the sponsoring entity, and prohibition of public funds or personnel involvement.

Students cannot be released from required core curriculum classes to attend religious instruction, and attendance at released time classes is not counted as an absence from school.

The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.