public schools; released time courses
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Create an account to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill establishes guidelines for public schools and school districts in Arizona to allow students to participate in ‘released time’ courses, which are typically religious instruction offered outside of regular school hours. It outlines specific requirements for these courses, including parental consent, instructor qualifications, attendance records, and student responsibility for missed schoolwork. The bill also addresses how academic credit will be awarded and ensures equal access for released time course providers.
Key provisions
- Charter schools and school districts must obtain written parental consent for student participation.
- Released time course providers must maintain attendance records and assume legal responsibility for students.
- Providers must offer at least one hour and no more than five hours of religious instruction per week.
- Instructors must have qualifications comparable to school employees.
- Transportation for released time courses must be provided by the provider, students, or parents.
- Students are responsible for completing any missed schoolwork.
- Charter schools and school districts must award academic credit based on secular criteria similar to those used for regular courses.
- Released time courses cannot be provided on school property or incur expenses by the school.
Who is affected
- Public school students
- Parents of public school students
Bill text
Read the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
Text extraction is in progress. View the official source.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
1 on record
Primary sponsor
Arguments
Reasons offered for and against this legislation.
Arguments in favor
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yours