GA HB1352

Local education agencies must adopt policies by August 1, 2026 permitting public school students to be excused for at least one hour per school week to attend "released time courses" in religious moral instruction provided by outside individuals or organizations

Students attending released time courses are not counted as absent from school; parents must provide written consent and students are responsible for making up any missed school work

Transportation to released time courses is the responsibility of parents or guardians, and courses cannot be held on public school property unless under a neutral equal access policy for community groups

Local education agencies may award academic credit for released time courses, evaluated using secular criteria such as classroom hours, syllabus review, assessment methods, and instructor qualifications—without testing for religious content or denominational affiliation

The Department of Education must promulgate model policies for local agencies and take steps to maximize state and federal funding regardless of how many students participate in released time courses