Mississippi 2024 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB1499

Introduced
2/19/24  
Refer
2/19/24  

Caption

"Released-Time Moral Instruction Act of 2024"; enact to permit students to receive religious instruction during the school day.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will affect existing policies regarding instructional time within public schools in Mississippi. Students who opt for released-time moral instruction will not be penalized for absences related to this instruction, as the time spent in such classes will be credited as attendance. This change aims to provide students with opportunities to explore moral and ethical education outside the formal curriculum while maintaining their status as present in school for the purposes of attendance requirements.

Summary

House Bill 1499, titled the 'Released-Time Moral Instruction Act of 2024', seeks to establish a framework within which local school boards in Mississippi can authorize released-time moral instruction for students. This act allows school boards to survey students to identify those interested in moral instruction, provided they have received consent from their parents or guardians. The bill specifies that students participating in such instruction must be allowed to attend off-site moral instruction classes for at least one hour each week, with the stipulation that this instruction cannot occur on school premises.

Contention

Notably, the bill has sparked debate regarding the balance between moral education and the separation of church and state in public schooling. Critics may argue that allowing moral instruction could lead to the endorsement of particular religious beliefs in public schools, potentially alienating students of differing faiths or beliefs. Supporters, on the other hand, may contend that this framework respects parental choices and diversifies the educational experiences available to students. The prohibition of moral instruction on school grounds might further fuel discussions around the appropriateness and logistics of such programs within the public education system.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS HB1373

"Released-Time Moral Instruction Act of 2023"; enact to permit students to receive religious instruction during the school day.

MS HB1322

School curriculum; require students to receive additional instruction in healthy living.

MS HB152

The Digital Access Learning and Virtual Instruction Program Act of 2023; create.

MS HB227

Visual art and music education; require instruction of in public schools as a part of the curriculum.

MS HB1489

"Families' Rights and Responsibilities Act of 2023"; enact.

MS HB1480

"Parents' Bill of Rights Act of 2023"; enact.

MS SB2361

Mississippi Modified School Calendar Grant Program; establish and provide eligibility criteria.

MS HB509

"Families' Rights and Responsiblities Act of 2023"; enact.

MS HB1476

"Families' Rights and Responsibilites Act of 2023"; enact.

MS SB2737

School attendance location of students; allow students to transfer to other school districts subject to availability and approval.

Similar Bills

MS HB1373

"Released-Time Moral Instruction Act of 2023"; enact to permit students to receive religious instruction during the school day.

MS HB161

"Released-Time Moral Instruction Act of 2025"; enact to permit students to receive religious instruction during the school day.

MS HB763

"Released-Time Moral Instruction Act of 2025"; enact to permit students to receive religious instruction during the school day.

MS HB1475

"Released-Time Moral Instruction Act of 2024"; enact to permit students to receive religious instruction during the school day.

MS HB652

Excused absence; permit for students participating in roping or barrel horse racing events.

MS HB1358

Excused absences; permit for students participating in roping or barrel horse events.

MS HB1318

Excused absence; permit for students participating in roping or barrel horse events.

MS SB2361

Mississippi Modified School Calendar Grant Program; establish and provide eligibility criteria.