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AZ SB1741
Bill
Status
Engrossed
2/25/2026
Primary Sponsor
Warren Petersen
Click for details
AI Summary
- Requires Arizona public school districts and charter schools to allow students to attend off-campus religious instruction ("released time courses") for 1-5 hours per week during regular school hours with written parental consent
- Schools must award academic credit for completed released time courses using secular criteria such as instructional hours, course requirements, and student assessments
- Time spent in released time courses counts toward instructional time requirements and average daily membership/attendance calculations for school funding purposes
- Religious instruction providers must track attendance, assume legal liability for students, demonstrate instructor qualifications comparable to school employees, and arrange their own transportation
- Schools cannot incur expenses for or host released time courses on school property, but must provide equal access to any benefits given to other community groups; violations create a private right of action for damages and attorney fees
Legislative Description
Public schools; released time courses
Requirements
Last Action
House consent calendar
3/16/2026
Committee Referrals
Rules3/4/2026
Education2/25/2026
Rules2/5/2026
Education Accountability and Reform2/5/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available