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Committee backs bill allowing release‑time religious instruction with parental consent
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Summary
SB 112 would authorize school districts to adopt release‑time policies allowing non‑denominational religious instruction during school hours with parental consent and transportation insurance requirements; LifeWise representatives and several school leaders testified in favor and the committee reported the bill favorably.
Vice Chairwoman Hodges presented Senate Bill 112 to authorize release‑time courses for religious education subject to parental authorization and related school board policies, including insurance and transportation requirements. The author said the measure is voluntary for local boards and would provide parental choice while including safeguards such as proof of automobile liability insurance for sponsoring organizations that transport students.
Jesse Boneco (vice president of growth, LifeWise Academy) testified about the LifeWise model, describing it as a non‑denominational, community‑led release‑time program operating in hundreds of schools nationwide and serving tens of thousands of students weekly. He cited third‑party studies (Thomas P. Miller & Associates) purportedly showing attendance and academic improvements where the program operates. Committee members asked for practical safeguards; Senator Mizell asked that criminal background checks apply to any adult who contacts children in the program, not only instructors; the author agreed to consider that between committee and floor.
Derek Shepherd of the Jefferson Parish School Board spoke in favor and committed Jefferson Parish to implementing the program where appropriate. With those assurances and technical amendments adopted, the committee reported SB 112 favorably.
