AL SB4

Local boards of education would be required to implement policies allowing students to receive elective credit for attending religious instruction during the school day, changing current law that makes such policies optional

Religious instruction must occur off school property, conducted by private entities, with written parental consent and attendance records maintained by the sponsoring organization

No public funds may be expended beyond minimal administrative costs, and no public school personnel may provide the religious instruction

Students cannot be released from required core curriculum classes, and transportation is the sole responsibility of the private entity, parent, or student

Local boards retain authority to tailor policies to their needs, and districts with existing released time policies adopted before July 1, 2026 are not required to amend them