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Bill Summary · HB 1139

Summary of House Bill 1139: Released Time Education Act

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: HB 1139
  • Title: To Create the Released Time Education Act
  • Introduced On: January 15, 2025
  • Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment on May 5, 2025
  • Sponsor: Representative B. McKenzie, Senator J. Bryant

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1139 aims to establish the "Released Time Education Act," which would allow students to be excused from school to attend courses in religious moral instruction provided by independent entities. The intent of the bill is to provide students with the opportunity to receive religious education during school hours, thereby promoting moral instruction alongside traditional academic subjects.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes the following key provisions:

  1. Definition of Terms:

    • Released Time Course: A course in religious moral instruction taught by an independent entity.
    • School: Includes public school districts and open-enrollment public charter schools.

  2. Excusal from School:

    • Schools must excuse students from attendance upon request by a parent, legal guardian, or person standing in loco parentis.
    • Students would be allowed to attend released time courses for a minimum of one hour and a maximum of five hours each week.

  3. Amendment to Arkansas Code:

    • The bill seeks to amend Arkansas Code Title 6, Chapter 18, Subchapter 2, by adding a new section (6-18-237) to formalize the provisions of the Released Time Education Act.

Impact

  • Affected Parties: The bill would primarily affect students enrolled in public schools and open-enrollment charter schools, as well as their families who seek religious moral instruction.
  • Fiscal Impact: According to the Arkansas Department of Education, there is no expected fiscal impact from this legislation. However, it is noted that school district funding based on Average Daily Membership (ADM) may decrease due to potential changes in attendance as students participate in released time courses.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was filed and read for the first time on January 15, 2025, with rules suspended for a second reading before being referred to the House Education Committee.
  • Ultimately, the bill did not progress beyond the committee stage and was declared dead at the Sine Die adjournment on May 5, 2025.

Conclusion

House Bill 1139 sought to create a framework for students to receive religious moral instruction during school hours. While the bill was introduced with the intention of expanding educational opportunities, it did not advance through the legislative process.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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