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HB1144Introduced in the House

"Released-Time Moral Instruction Act of 2026"; enact to permit students to receive religious instruction during the school day.

Failed

Introduced by Elliot Burch, District 105

What does this bill do?

Plain-English breakdown

Writing a plain-English summary of this bill… this can take a few seconds the first time.

Official description

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.

Where it stands

Died In Committee

February 3, 2026

How did lawmakers vote?

No recorded vote is available for this bill yet.

Bill history

  1. Referred To Education

  2. Died In Committee

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