AN ACT TO CREATE THE "RELEASED-TIME MORAL INSTRUCTION ACT OF 2026"; TO AUTHORIZE LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS TO PERMIT THE RELEASED-TIME MORAL INSTRUCTION OF PUPILS; TO PERMIT SCHOOL BOARDS TO COMPLETE A SURVEY TO DETERMINE PUPILS WITHIN THE SCHOOL DISTRICT WHO DESIRE RELEASED-TIME MORAL INSTRUCTION AND WHO HAVE RECEIVED CONSENT FROM THEIR PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN FOR SUCH INSTRUCTION; TO REQUIRE SCHOOL BOARDS TO ALLOW THOSE STUDENTS DESIRING RELEASED-TIME MORAL INSTRUCTION TO PARTICIPATE IN OFF-SITE FOR AT LEAST ONE HOUR, ONE DAY EACH WEEK; TO PROHIBIT THE SCHOOL DISTRICT FROM PROVIDING OR FACILITATING RELEASED-TIME MORAL INSTRUCTION ON SCHOOL PREMISES; TO PERMIT LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE PERSONS IN CHARGE OF THE RELEASED-TIME MORAL INSTRUCTION AS THE BOARD DEEMS NECESSARY AND ADVISABLE; TO PROVIDE THAT STUDENTS SHALL NOT BE PENALIZED OR CONSIDERED ABSENT FROM THE SCHOOL FOR PURPOSES OF ATTENDING RELEASED-TIME MORAL INSTRUCTION; TO PROVIDE THAT STUDENTS WHO DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN RELEASED-TIME MORAL INSTRUCTION SHALL CONTINUE IN THE REGULAR COURSE OF DAILY INSTRUCTION; TO PROVIDE THAT RELEASED-TIME MORAL INSTRUCTION SHALL BE GIVEN WITHOUT EXPENSE TO ANY LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD BEYOND THE COST OF THE ORIGINAL SURVEY; TO AMEND SECTION 37-13-91, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, IN CONFORMITY TO THE PRECEDING PROVISIONS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
Impact
If enacted, HB1144 will amend the Mississippi Code regarding compulsory education and school attendance. It will effectively introduce a new type of educational experience focused on moral instruction, allowing parents greater authority in deciding the religious or moral education of their children. This change may lead to expanded offerings of religious or moral programs by various community organizations, while maintaining compliance with existing educational mandates and parental rights. The act may also provide a framework for future legislation that seeks similar educational amendments regarding moral or religious instruction in school curricula.
Summary
House Bill 1144, known as the 'Released-Time Moral Instruction Act of 2026', seeks to allow local school boards in Mississippi to permit released-time moral instruction for students. This legislation mandates that each local school board conduct a survey to identify students who wish to participate in moral instruction during school hours, provided they have parental consent. The bill stipulates that participating students shall be allowed to attend their instruction off-campus for at least one hour per week without being penalized for absences from school. However, school districts are explicitly prohibited from providing or facilitating this instruction on school premises.
Contention
Notable points of contention around HB1144 primarily revolve around the intersection of education and religion. Critics may argue that introducing moral instruction within the public school system represents a breach of the separation of church and state, while proponents assert that parental rights and community values should be respected and incorporated into a child's education. Additionally, some may voice concerns about potential disparities in the type and quality of moral education provided, depending on local resources and the differing religious backgrounds present within school districts.