Committee approves SB 248 tightening rules for release-time religious programs
SB 248 was reported favorably as amended. Sponsor Senator Shellnut said the bill clarifies release-time rules by adding local-affiliation limits, a mandatory checkout process, permitted criminal-history checks, and an explicit no-endorsement clause while preserving local control over schedules.
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Senator Shellnut presented SB 248 as an update to existing code governing release-time religious instruction. He told the committee the bill removes last-year requirements that forced school policy adoptions, adds a local-affiliation requirement so only churches or local community-based religious groups may run release-time programs, and permits criminal-history background checks for program personnel who will have direct ongoing contact with students.
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