🚨 LOUISIANA ALERT: SB112 (Released Time Religious Instruction)

A new bill has been introduced in Louisiana that would create the state’s first law explicitly allowing Released Time Religious Instruction (RTRI).

Here’s what SB112 actually does — and why it matters.

🟡 First, this is a “may” bill.
SB112 allows local school boards to adopt a released-time policy but does not require it statewide. If passed, Louisiana would move from having no specific released-time statute to explicitly permitting RTRI in state law. Right now, Louisiana relies on older federal precedent (Zorach v. Clauson). This bill would formally codify released time into Louisiana law for the first time.

🚨One notable structural difference: the school board creates the consent form.
In many released-time states, the religious provider supplies participation forms. SB112 instead requires the local school board to create the consent form used for participation. That pulls schools more directly into the administrative process and departs from the typical arms-length model.

🚨The bill contains strong “equal access” language.
SB112 states that if schools allow outside community groups access to facilities, they cannot deny access to released-time providers — and it includes language suggesting equal access to certain benefits or services. That approach goes beyond traditional released-time models and raises serious concerns under longstanding church–state precedent, particularly where public resources or funding could be involved. 👀

🚨It directs the Department of Education to create a new course credit code.
The bill requires the Louisiana Department of Education to create a course credit code that schools could use to award academic credit for released-time courses. That is a significant structural provision. Credit pathways increase legitimacy and can accelerate adoption because programs can become integrated into transcript systems.

🚨The bill explicitly includes charter schools.
SB112 amends charter law to ensure released-time provisions apply within charter environments. That is a deliberate drafting choice, as charter exemptions can otherwise create legal ambiguity.

🚨Background checks: what the bill actually requires.
SB112 requires instructors to undergo checks under Louisiana Revised Statute 15:587.1 (the Louisiana Child Protection Act). This law allows access to state criminal history and, in some cases, federal records, and applies to people in positions of authority over children. However, it is NOT a childcare licensing framework and does NOT, by itself, create the same regulatory structure used for licensed childcare providers or public school employees. That distinction is important.

🚨Why this bill matters.🚨
Even though SB112 is not a mandate, it would create Louisiana’s first explicit released-time statute, normalize RTRI in state law, introduce a potential academic credit pathway, and expand applicability to charter schools.

In many states, “may” bills are the first step in broader expansion.

If passed, Louisiana would move from:

No-law state → Statutory RTRI state

That’s a meaningful shift in the national landscape.

We will continue monitoring this bill and sharing updates as it develops.

Read the full Bill text here: https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1442177

🚨If you’re in Louisiana and want updates as this bill moves, follow along.
We’ll continue tracking SB112 and providing plain-language analysis as it develops.

⭐️If you know educators, parents, or advocates in Louisiana, consider sharing this post so they’re aware early.

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