MS HB1373

Authorizes local school boards to adopt policies permitting released-time moral instruction where students receive religious instruction off-site for at least one hour, one day per week.

Requires school boards to survey students and obtain parental consent before students participate in released-time moral instruction programs.

Prohibits released-time moral instruction from being provided or facilitated on school premises.

Students participating in approved released-time moral instruction programs shall not be marked absent and the time counts toward required school attendance; non-participating students must remain in school and continue regular coursework.

Released-time moral instruction programs operate at no expense to school districts beyond the cost of the initial survey, and school boards may make arrangements with instruction providers as deemed necessary.