Birmingham, AL – Controversial Religious Instruction Bill Returns for 2026 Legislative Session
As Alabama’s 2026 legislative session approaches, the heated debate over religious instruction in public schools reignites with the pre-filing of Senate Bill 4 by Senator Shay Shelnutt, R-Trussville. The bill would mandate all public school districts to adopt policies permitting students to leave campus for religious instruction during school hours.
This proposal, known as "religious instruction release time" (RIRT), mirrors Senate Bill 278 from the previous session, which successfully passed the Senate but ultimately stalled in the House. A related bill, presented by Rep. Susan DuBose, R-Hoover, was decisively defeated in the Education Policy committee.
Supporters, including Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, have pledged unwavering support for RIRT, promising to advocate for its passage until it becomes law. Shelnutt’s swift re-filing of SB4 just one week after the end of the last session signals the ongoing priority of the issue for Republican lawmakers.
Opponents argue that Alabama law, established in 2019, already permits school districts to implement these policies upon parental request, warning that a statewide mandate could undermine local governance in education. DuBose has asserted that some parents face barriers to accessing these options and seeks to push for a more comprehensive statewide solution.
In addition to SB4, Shelnutt also pre-filed Senate Bill 3, which emphasizes abstinence and "sexual risk avoidance" in the public school sex education curriculum. As the state gears up for the upcoming legislative session, these issues are poised to generate significant discussion and debate among lawmakers and constituents alike.
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