MO SB1165

School districts must adopt policies allowing students to be excused for up to 3 class periods per week (maximum 125 per school year) to attend religious or moral instruction courses taught by independent entities off school property

Written parental consent is required, and students cannot be excused during English language arts, mathematics, science, or United States history classes

No school district funds (beyond minimal administrative costs), personnel, equipment, or resources may be used for the instruction; transportation is the responsibility of the independent entity, student, or parent

Students attending released time courses count as present for average daily attendance calculations, and school boards must award elective credit for completed courses based on secular evaluation criteria

School districts and the state are shielded from liability for students participating in released time courses; the independent entity or parent must maintain insurance and indemnify the district