Missouri legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Missouri HB2157: Enacts provisions requiring school districts to develop policies for released-time courses
Status: In committee, May 15, 2026
What the bill says
To amend chapter 162, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to released-time courses. Section A. Chapter 162, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 162.059, to read as follows: 162.059. 1. This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Missouri Released-Time Education Act". 2. As used in this section, the following terms mean: (1) "Parent", a parent, legal guardian, or other person having control, custody, or charge of a child; (2) "Released-time course", a course in religious instruction taught by an independent sponsoring entity that a st.
From the introduced text:
To amend chapter 162, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to released-time courses. Section A. Chapter 162, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 162.059, to read as follows: 162.059. 1. This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Missouri Released-Time Education Act". 2. As used in this section, the following terms mean: (1) "Parent", a parent, legal guardian, or other person having control, custody, or charge of a child; (2) "Released-time course", a course in religious instruction taught by an independent sponsoring entity that a student is excused from school to attend; (3) "School district", the same definition as in section 160.011. 3. A school district shall adopt a policy as provided in this section to excuse a student from school to attend a released-time course. Such policy shall not interfere with the ability of a student's parent to request or access a released-time course for the student. 4. A school district shall, upon the request of a student's parent, excuse a student under its jurisdiction from school to attend a released-time course for at least one hour per week but not more than five hours per week if the following requirements are met: (1) The student's parent gives written consent for the student to attend the …
Sponsors
- Josh Hurlbert (R, 008) · primary sponsor