AL HB342

Requires each local board of education to adopt a policy allowing students to earn elective credit for attending religious instruction during the school day under a "released time" program conducted off school property by private entities.

Defines "released time" as a period during the school day when students participate in an elective course in religious instruction conducted off school district property by a private entity.

Establishes conditions for released time participation including written parental consent, sponsoring entity maintenance of attendance records, liability assumption by the sponsoring entity, no public fund expenditure beyond de minimis administrative costs, and no involvement of public school personnel in instruction.

Allows students in grades where credit is earned to receive elective course credit for released time participation, with credit not exceeding normal credit for elective courses and attendance standards to be set by the State Board of Education.

Prohibits students from being released from required core curriculum classes to attend released time and makes the sponsoring entity, parent, guardian, or student fully responsible for transportation.

Becomes effective July 1, 2025.