Oklahoma Senate Bill SB938

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Schools; creating the Time Release Educational Credit Act; allowing policy for student participation in certain instruction. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

If enacted, SB938 will modify existing educational statutes to include provisions for religious instruction as an elective course. The eligibility for a student to receive credit for such courses hinges on criteria that ensure safety and accountability, including the requirement that the private entity assumes liability during the released time. The legislation positions itself as a mechanism for promoting religious education while attempting to respect the boundaries of school funding and governance.

Summary

Senate Bill 938, known as the Time Release Educational Credit Act (TRECA), establishes a framework for Oklahoma school districts to allow students to participate in religious instruction during school hours. This legislation aims to provide students with an opportunity for 'released time'—a period when they can attend classes held by private entities off school property. The bill articulates specific criteria for such participation, necessitating parental consent and ensuring that public funds are not used for these religious activities.

Contention

Debate around SB938 encompasses concerns regarding the separation of church and state. Critics argue that the bill could blur these lines by allowing academic credit for religious instruction, potentially infringing on the rights of students who may not want to participate in such courses. Supporters contend that the bill empowers parental choice, allowing families the autonomy to select religious education for their children without imposing it on the broader student body. This contention between individual rights and communal educational policies is a notable aspect of the bill's discussion.