Relating to excused absences from public school for the purpose of attending a released time course.

SB 1049 creates a new excused absence for public school students to attend religious instruction courses offered by private entities. It requires school districts to excuse students for 1-5 hours per week upon a parent or guardian’s request, provided the district has adopted a policy governing such absences. The law specifically defines "released time course" as religious instruction provided by a private organization, not school-sponsored programs. This policy change directly affects public school students in Texas whose families seek religious education outside of school hours, with the law taking effect on September 1, 2025.