MONTGOMERY – Members of the Senate Education Policy committee passed legislation on Wednesday allowing K-12 off-campus religious instruction.
Senate Bill 278 by State Sen. Shay Shelnutt (R -Trussville) requires each local board of education to implement a policy allowing elective credit to students released from the classroom to attend elective religious instruction during the school day.
Programs proposed under the legislation would utilize only private dollars, not taxpayer dollars, and no school personnel would be involved in providing the religious instruction.
"This does not cost our schools any money. Regarding religious groups, yes all religious groups are allowed. We believe in freedom of religion. More freedom, not less is always the answer," Shelnutt said during the meeting.
The programs would also assume full liability for students during their excused release time and provide safe and reliable round-trip transportation. Strict attendance records must be kept and made available to the school, as well. Those choosing the elective would not lose instructional time in core subjects.
A similar bill by State Rep. Susan DuBose (R-Hoover) failed to pass a House committee earlier in April.
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