Frankfort, Kentucky — A new Republican-backed bill in Kentucky would require public school districts to allow outside groups to provide religious or “moral instruction” to students during the school day if certain conditions are met.
House Bill 829, introduced by Rep. Shane Baker of Somerset, would revise a law passed in 2025 that currently allows school boards to decide whether to approve such programs. The existing law says school boards “may” approve requests, while the proposed measure would change the language to “shall,” effectively requiring approval if requirements are satisfied.
The bill would also expand the time students could receive religious instruction from up to one hour to at least one hour and would allow classes to occur on school campuses if districts provide equal access to community groups using school property.
One organization seeking to expand in Kentucky is LifeWise Academy, an Ohio-based group that provides Bible-based instruction for public school students. Since the state’s earlier law passed, some school districts have approved LifeWise programs while others rejected them over logistical concerns.
Supporters say the bill would streamline approval of programs that meet legal requirements. Opponents argue it could blur the line between public education and religious instruction.
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