Overview: HSB 218, A bill for an act relating to students who attend a course in religious instruction that is provided by a private organization, was introduced on February 20, 2025 and is currently in the committee report approving stage, having been renumbered as HF 870.
Purpose and Intent: The main goal of this bill is to allow school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to award academic credit to students who complete a course in religious instruction provided by a private organization, and to modify provisions related to compulsory education and chronic absenteeism for these students.
Key Provisions:
- Permits school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to adopt policies that allow students to earn academic credit for completing a course in religious instruction provided by a private organization.
- Exempts students attending a course in religious instruction from compulsory education requirements, as long as the student's parent or guardian provides written notice to the school.
- Excludes absences due to attendance at a course in religious instruction from a school's calculation of chronic absenteeism.
Affected Parties and Impacts: This bill would primarily affect students who wish to participate in religious instruction courses, as well as the school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools that choose to adopt policies allowing for academic credit and attendance exemptions. It aims to provide more flexibility and accommodation for students to engage in religious education.
Procedural and Timeline Considerations: The bill is currently in the committee report approving stage and has been renumbered as HF 870. The next step would be for the bill to be considered by the full legislature.
