Representative DuBose introduces bill to expand school religious-release policies; committee delays vote

Representative DuBose explained House Bill 3342 and offered two amendments that the committee adopted to clarify local control and elective-credit authority. DuBose said hundreds of parents and dozens of districts have expressed interest and that since 2019 only about 12 districts have adopted religious-release policies under existing law; she said roughly "4,000 parents throughout our state of Alabama have signed a petition asking for religious release program."

The two adopted amendments change language so students participating in released time "may earn elective course" credit (line 66) and expressly confirm that local school boards have authority to adopt district policies that suit local needs (line 84). DuBose told the committee local boards "are allowed to tailor the policies to meet their specific needs" and that districts may decide whether to award elective credit. She said background checks and liability for faith‑based providers are matters local boards can require. The sponsor emphasized the program is voluntary and said it does not change compulsory attendance or core instructional time.

Members asked practical questions about scheduling, instructional time, equity, and whether the state should mandate a policy when some districts have chosen not to adopt one. Representative Baker and others raised concerns about potential loss of instructional time and noted the program's dependence on outside nonprofits and parental grassroots efforts. DuBose said districts can limit participation to particular grades or times and that some districts have chosen not to implement release time in early grades to preserve literacy instruction. The sponsor said the committee would not vote on the bill at this meeting and recommended members discuss the amended bill with local stakeholders.