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House committee advances bill requiring school districts to adopt release‑time policies for religious instruction
Summary
The Arizona House Education Committee gave HB22‑66 a due‑pass recommendation after partisan debate. Supporters said the change ensures parental choice and consistent policies; opponents warned the move removes local control and risks school‑time 'indoctrination.'
The Arizona House Education Committee on a 7–5 vote recommended approval of House Bill 22‑66, a measure that would require school governing boards to adopt policies allowing students to be excused for off‑campus religious instruction.
Sponsor Representative Marshall said the bill is principally a one‑word change from “may” to “shall,” and is designed to set minimum program requirements such as at least one hour per week of release time, off‑campus instruction, private funding, no use of school personnel and background checks for program staff. Marshall said the change would give parents more control over their children’s education while keeping schools neutral.
Opponents, including Jeanne (Janine) Castine of Secular AZ, urged members to vote no, saying the bill raises constitutional concerns and could allow outside organizations without educational credentials to exert undue influence in public schools. “Religious instruction raises unique constitutional concerns,” Castine said, adding she has heard parents report peer pressure and bullying tied to some release‑time programs.
Proponents including Ashton Allen of the Center for Arizona Policy and Liz Easton of LifeWise Academy told the committee these programs are voluntary, privately funded and have been upheld historically by courts; Allen cited the Supreme Court case named in testimony as “Zorak v Clausen” (as referenced in committee) in support of release‑time accommodations. School board leaders who testified said properly run programs can benefit attendance and behavior.
Committee members’ explanations for their votes reflected the split: supporters framed the bill as protecting parental rights and religious liberty without imposing costs on districts; opponents emphasized local control and possible impacts on instructional time, especially in elementary grades with short lunch and recess periods.
With the committee’s due‑pass recommendation HB22‑66 will move to the full House for further consideration.
