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

HB 1144, the "Released-Time Moral Instruction Act of 2026," would allow Mississippi public school students to receive religious instruction off-site during school hours. It requires school boards to survey students and obtain parental consent to excuse them for one hour weekly to attend religious programs at their place of worship or a designated location. The bill prohibits schools from providing or facilitating instruction on campus, ensures students aren’t penalized for missing class, and mandates they continue regular academic work if not participating. It specifically applies to students with parental consent and does not require schools to cover costs beyond an initial survey. The bill died in committee in February 2026 and was never enacted.