HB184 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Kerry Rich

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Education, local boards of education authorized to provide for released time religious instruction in public high schools as an elective course for credit

Summary

HB184 would let Alabama high schools award elective credit for released time religious instruction, if districts adopt policies and follow specified rules.

What This Bill Does

The bill authorizes local boards of education to adopt policies that allow a high school student to be excused from school to attend a religious instruction class conducted by a private entity. A student may earn up to one elective credit for participation, with boards setting minimum standards for the program. The arrangement requires parental consent, attendance records, and that transportation and liability are handled by the sponsor or the family, with no public funds or school personnel involved. The student cannot be released from required core courses, and attendance in the released time class is not counted as an absence; the student must make up missed schoolwork.

Who It Affects

• High school students who choose to participate and may earn up to one elective credit, subject to district policies and consent.
• Parents/Guardians and local boards of education, since parents must consent in writing and boards must adopt policies and set standards for credit and participation.

Key Provisions

• Local boards may adopt a policy authorizing a high school student to be excused from school to attend a religious instruction class conducted by a private entity.
• Parental consent is required; the sponsor maintains attendance records and provides them to the student’s school.
• Transportation and liability are the responsibility of the sponsor, parent, or guardian; no public funds or public school personnel are involved.
• A participating student may earn up to one elective credit for the released time instruction; boards may set minimum standards for curriculum and participation.
• The student must make up any missed schoolwork; no student may be released from a required core curriculum class; attendance is not counted as an absence while in the released time class.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and approval, or upon becoming law by other means.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education