Arizona students may be able to leave school for religious instruction soon

The Arizona Legislature passed Senate Bill 1741 on Tuesday, sending the measure to Gov. Katie Hobbs for her signature or veto.

The bill would allow students to leave school during the day to attend religious instruction with parents’ permission.

The free religious instructional organization would take over all responsibility for the students during that time.

Participating students would be responsible for any coursework missed during religious instruction.

Schools would be required to give academic credits to students attending religious classes. The religious courses would also count as class time towards a student’s graduation requirements.

Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen applauded the bill.

“For generations, families have taught faith and values at home and in their communities,” he said. “This legislation simply ensures government does not stand in the way when parents choose to incorporate religious instruction into their child’s education.”

Funding for this journalism is made possible by the Arizona Local News Foundation.

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