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Committee hears hours-long debate on bill to allow release-time religious classes for academic credit
Summary
A lengthy, contested hearing on House Bill 343 centered on whether districts should be required to award credit for off‑campus religious instruction under neutral, secular criteria. Proponents cited court precedent and student benefits; opponents warned it would undermine local control and risk entanglement with religion.
House Bill 343, brought to the House Education Committee by Representative Brandon Gregg, drew extended testimony and sharp questioning on whether public school districts should be required to award elective academic credit for off‑campus religious “release‑time” instruction.
Gregg opened the hearing by saying HB 343 would let released religious instruction count for academic credit “using secular criteria to ensure consistency and fairness,” and argued the change would help keep families who value religious instruction enrolled in public schools. “By allowing released religious instruction to count for academic credit under neutral, educationally focused requirements,” he said, the bill would let students continue participation without risking graduation requirements.
Proponents emphasized longevity and perceived benefits. Matt Sharp, senior counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom, told the committee release‑time programs “have…
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