Loading chat...
NH HB1628
Bill
Status
12/10/2025
Primary Sponsor
Wayne MacDonald
Click for details
AI Summary
-
Public schools must excuse students from school for 1-5 hours per week to attend religious instruction courses ("released time courses") when requested by a parent or legal guardian
-
Released time courses must be taught by independent sponsoring entities off school property, with transportation and liability handled entirely by the sponsor, parent, or student—not the school district
-
Schools are required to adopt policies awarding academic credit for completed released time courses, evaluating them using secular criteria such as classroom hours, syllabus review, assessment methods, and instructor qualifications
-
Students excused for released time courses are considered present for school funding and attendance requirement purposes, and must make up any missed schoolwork
-
Individuals or organizations may sue school districts for violations of this act, seeking injunctive relief, monetary damages, and attorneys' fees
Legislative Description
Requiring schools to provide excused absences for certain religious instruction, defining released time courses, and permitting schools to adopt policies and provide credit for released time courses.
Last Action
Inexpedient to Legislate: Motion Adopted Voice Vote 02/12/2026 House Journal 4
2/12/2026