Education - As enacted, prohibits excusing a student from school to attend a released time course in religious moral instruction during the school year unless certain criteria are met. - Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 2; Title 49, Chapter 5 and Title 49, Chapter 6.

HB 1281 prohibits Tennessee school districts from excusing students to attend off-campus religious moral instruction courses (called "released time courses") unless specific safety checks are completed. It requires instructors and organizations offering these courses to undergo Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) criminal background checks, with results shared with school districts. School districts must review these checks, notify parents about results, and ensure only individuals with "satisfactory" checks (no convictions for certain offenses) have contact with students. The law, effective July 1, 2025, directly affects school districts, religious organizations providing such courses, and parents of participating students.