Released-time religious instruction; require school districts to allow off-campus during school day.

HB 1201 would require Mississippi school districts to permit students to leave campus for one hour each week to attend off-site religious instruction at their place of worship, provided they have parental consent. The bill mandates that schools cannot penalize students for missing class during this time, count it as an absence, or provide religious instruction on school property. It specifically applies to students enrolled in public schools who seek this religious instruction and ensures no cost to the school district. The bill died in committee in February 2026 and was never enacted.