State Representative Jeff McClain (R-Upper Sandusky) has announced that the Ohio House of Representatives has concurred with Senate changes to Amended House Bill 171. The legislation permits students of a public school to receive credit for attending released time courses in religious instruction.
The bipartisan legislation, which Rep. McClain sponsored with Rep. Bill Patmon (D-Cleveland), allows for the credit based on criteria that may include hours of instruction, course requirements and materials, methods of assessment, and instructor qualifications.
Rep. McClain said, “I look forward to the added opportunities for our students to improve their lives, and this gives us yet another tool to help change society for the better.”
Under the bill, a school district board of education may permit a student to be released from school in order to attend a course of religious instruction as long as:
- The parent or guardian provides written consent;
- The private entity keeps attendance records and supplies them for the school district;
- The private entity accepts liability for the student;
- Public funds and personnel are not used for the purpose of religious instruction; and
- The student assumes responsibility for any missed schoolwork.
The Senate amendments add the stipulation that the school district shall not be held liable for any injury resulting from the transportation of students to and from the entity at which they partake in religious courses.
Am. H.B. 171 passed the Ohio House with bipartisan support and now heads to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.
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