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Release‑time religious instruction bill draws constitutional and administrative questions
Summary
HB 16 28 would require districts to excuse students to attend privately funded, off‑campus religious instruction and allow credit at local discretion; proponents say programs like LifeWise can operate without school funds, while school boards and some members raised concerns about crediting, transportation, IDEA/FAPE and administrative burden.
Representative Wayne McDonald, prime sponsor of HB 16 28, told the committee the bill would permit parents to request that public schools excuse students for privately funded, off‑campus religious instruction for one to five hours per week and would leave credit and implementation to local districts.
"Release time courses are not to be held on school property," he said, stressing the bill intends separation and…
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