Ohio House Bill HB445

Ohio 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/24

Caption

Regards school policies for release for religious instruction

Note

This bill reflects ongoing discussions about the role of religious education within public schooling, representing a significant development in education policy that could have lasting consequences on legislative approaches to religious instruction in Ohio.

Impact

The bill explicitly allows high school students to earn up to two units of credit for successfully completing a released time course in religious instruction. This credit can be awarded based on secular evaluation criteria that mirror those applied to nonpublic high school courses. Notably, the legislation ensures that decisions regarding credit allocation remain neutral concerning religious content, thereby safeguarding against discriminatory practices based on denominational affiliation.

Summary

House Bill 445 aims to amend section 3313.6022 of the Revised Code concerning school district policies for released time courses in religious instruction. This legislative effort provides a framework under which students may be excused from school to attend religious instructional courses conducted by private entities beyond school property. The amendment stipulates that school boards must develop policies that allow for such absences, contingent upon obtaining parental consent and ensuring no public funds or personnel are involved in the religious instruction.

Contention

Despite its intended aim to provide students with religious educational opportunities, the bill may evoke controversy regarding the separation of church and state. Critics might argue that facilitating religious instruction during school hours, even in a released time framework, blurs the lines drawn by the establishment clause of the First Amendment. Additionally, the emphasis on substantial parental involvement and school district liability could lead to concerns over accountability and the adequacy of oversight for religious programs.