Enacts provisions requiring school districts to develop policies for released-time courses

HB 2157 requires Missouri public school districts to create policies allowing students to be excused during school hours for religious instruction courses provided by independent organizations. The policy must ensure parental written consent is obtained, the sponsoring entity handles transportation and liability, and no school funds (beyond minimal administrative costs) are used. School districts must award academic credit for these courses based on secular criteria like class hours, syllabus, and instructor qualifications - without considering religious content. The excused time counts toward school attendance for state funding purposes, and students are responsible for missed schoolwork. This directly affects students, parents, and school districts by establishing clear rules for religious instruction outside regular school hours.