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Bill

LC 2657

Require schools to provide religious instruction released time program

2025 Regular Session

Requires Montana schools to release students during school days for off-campus religious instruction from approved providers, raising church-state separation and academic fairness concerns.

(LC) Draft Delivered to Requester
#religion #schoolsandeducation
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Bill Summary · LC 2657

Legislative bill overview

LC 2657 would require Montana schools to establish a "released time" program that allows students to leave campus during the school day to receive religious instruction from external providers. The bill mandates schools accommodate student absences for this purpose, similar to programs that exist in other states where students can be excused from regular classes to attend off-campus religious education.

Why is this important

Released time programs raise fundamental questions about the separation of church and state, public school obligations, and parental rights. The outcome could affect how Montana balances religious freedom with secular public education, influence student academic schedules, and potentially create administrative burdens for schools managing attendance policies.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional concerns: Critics argue mandated released time programs may violate the Establishment Clause by compelling schools to facilitate religious instruction, while supporters cite First Amendment free exercise protections and existing Supreme Court precedent (Board of Education v. Allen) upholding similar programs.
  • Implementation details: Unclear provisions regarding which religious organizations qualify, how much instructional time schools must release, liability for off-campus instruction, and whether opt-in or opt-out structures apply.
  • Academic impact: Questions about whether excusing students during instructional time disadvantages those choosing secular alternatives, affects graduation timelines, and creates equity issues between well-resourced and underserved religious communities.

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

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