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

HB 763, the "Released-Time Moral Instruction Act of 2025," would allow Mississippi public school students to leave school for one hour weekly to receive religious instruction off-site, with parental consent. It requires school boards to survey students and parents about interest in this instruction, then permits excused absences for religious education at places like churches or community centers - not on school property. Students participating would not be marked absent or penalized for missed academic work, while non-participating students would remain in regular classes. The bill prohibits school districts from covering costs beyond the initial survey and amends Mississippi’s compulsory school attendance law to accommodate this arrangement. It directly affects public school students and parents in Mississippi school districts.