These items consider whether public schools are required (a) to grant excused absences to students for religious observances, (b) to grant excused absences for religious education, (c) to grant excused absences for university students for religious observances, (d) to permit parents to opt children out of sexual education, and (e) to permit student athletes to wear faith-related attire.
| State | Religious Observance | Statute(s) | URL | Statute(s) | Religious Instruction | Satute(s) 2 | URL 2 | Statute(s) | Public College and University | Statute(s) 3 | URL 3 | Statute(s) | Athletes Faith-Related Attire | Statute(s) 4 | URL 4 | Statute(s) | Opt-out of Sex Ed | Statute(s) 5 | URL 5 | Statute(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | ○ State does not specify | §16-28-6, -13, -15 | https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-16/chapter-28/article-1/section-16-28-6/; https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-16/chapter-28/article-1/section-16-28-13/; https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-16/chapter-28/article-1/section-16-28-15/ | §16-28-6, -13, -15 | ○ State does not specify | §16-28-6, -13, -15 | https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-16/chapter-28/article-1/section-16-28-6/; https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-16/chapter-28/article-1/section-16-28-13/; https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-16/chapter-28/article-1/section-16-28-15/ | §16-28-6, -13, -15 | ○ State does not specify | ○ State does not protect right | ● Any reason opt-out allowed | § 16-40A-2 | https://codes.findlaw.com/al/title-16-education/al-code-sect-16-40a-2/ | § 16-40A-2 | ||||||
| Alaska | ○ State does not specify | §14.30.010 | https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.asp#14.30.010 | §14.30.010 | ○ State does not specify | §14.30.010 | https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.asp#14.30.010 | §14.30.010 | ○ State does not specify | ○ State does not protect right | ○ Limited topic opt-out allowed | § 14.30.360(b)(2) | https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.asp#14.30.360 | § 14.30.360(b)(2) | ||||||
| Arizona | ○ State permits excused | §15-806(A) | https://www.azleg.gov/viewdocument/?docName=https://www.azleg.gov/ars/15/00806.htm | §15-806(A) | ○ State permits excused | §15-806(A) | https://www.azleg.gov/viewdocument/?docName=https://www.azleg.gov/ars/15/00806.htm | §15-806(A) | ○ State does not specify | ○ State does not protect right | ● Opt-in required for sex education | § 15-102(A)(5) | https://www.azleg.gov/ars/15/00102.htm | § 15-102(A)(5) | ||||||
| Arkansas | ○ State does not specify | §6-18-209 | https://casetext.com/statute/arkansas-code-of-1987/title-6-education/subtitle-2-elementary-and-secondary-education-generally/chapter-18-students/subchapter-2-attendance/section-6-18-209-adoption-of-student-attendance-policies-effect-of-unexcused-absences?sort=relevance&p=1&type=case&tab=keyword&jxs=&resultsNav=false | §6-18-209 | ○ State does not specify | §6-18-209 | https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/title-6/subtitle-2/chapter-18/subchapter-2/section-6-18-209/ | §6-18-209 | ○ State does not specify | ○ State does not protect right | ● Any reason opt-out allowed | § 6-18-703 | https://codes.findlaw.com/ar/title-6-education/ar-code-sect-6-18-703/ | § 6-18-703 | ||||||
| California | ● State requires excused | EDC §48205(a)(7), §46014 | https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=EDC§ionNum=48205 ; https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=EDC§ionNum=46014 | EDC §48205(a)(7), §46014 | ○ State permits excused | EDC §46014, 48205(a)(7) | https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=46014.&lawCode=EDC | EDC §46014, 48205(a)(7) | ○ State does not specify | ○ State does not protect right | ● Any reason opt-out allowed | Cal. Ed. Code § 51938 | https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=51938&lawCode=EDC | Cal. Ed. Code § 51938 | ||||||
| Colorado | ○ State does not specify | §22-33-104(4)(a) | https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-22-education/school-districts/article-33-school-attendance-law-of-1963/part-1-school-attendance-law-of-1963/section-22-33-104-compulsory-school-attendance? | §22-33-104(4)(a) | ○ State does not specify | §22-33-104(4)(a) | https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-22-education/school-districts/article-33-school-attendance-law-of-1963/part-1-school-attendance-law-of-1963/section-22-33-104-compulsory-school-attendance? | §22-33-104(4)(a) | ○ State does not specify | ○ State does not protect right | ● Any reason opt-out allowed | § 22-1-128(3)–(4) | https://codes.findlaw.com/co/title-22-education/co-rev-st-sect-22-1-128/ | § 22-1-128(3)–(4) | ||||||
| Connecticut | ● State requires excused | §10-198b | https://casetext.com/statute/general-statutes-of-connecticut/title-10-education-and-culture/chapter-168-school-attendance-and-employment-of-children/section-10-198b-state-board-of-education-to-define-excused-absence-unexcused-absence-and-disciplinary-absence | §10-198b | ● State requires excused | §10-198b | https://casetext.com/statute/general-statutes-of-connecticut/title-10-education-and-culture/chapter-168-school-attendance-and-employment-of-children/section-10-198b-state-board-of-education-to-define-excused-absence-unexcused-absence-and-disciplinary-absence | §10-198b | ○ State does not specify | §10a-50 | https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_185.htm#sec_10a-50 | §10a-50 | ○ State does not protect right | ● Any reason opt-out allowed | § 10-16e | https://www.cga.ct.gov/2023/pub/chap_164.htm#sec_10-16e | § 10-16e | |||
| Delaware | ● State requires excused | 14 §2707 | https://delcode.delaware.gov/title14/c027/sc01/#2707 | 14 §2707 | ○ State does not specify | 14 §2707 | https://delcode.delaware.gov/title14/c027/sc01/#2707 | 14 §2707 | ○ State does not specify | ○ State does not protect right | ○ Limited topic opt-out allowed | |||||||||
| Florida | ● State requires excused | §1003.21(2)(b)(1) | http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=1000-1099/1003/Sections/1003.21.html | §1003.21(2)(b)(1) | ● State requires excused | §1003.21(2)(b)(1) | http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=1000-1099/1003/Sections/1003.21.html | §1003.21(2)(b)(1) | ● State requires excused | § 1006.53 | https://m.flsenate.gov/Statutes/1006.53 | § 1006.53 | ● State protects right | § 1002.206(3)(b) | http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=1000-1099/1002/Sections/1002.206.html | § 1002.206(3)(b) | ● Any reason opt-out allowed | § 1003.42(5) | http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=1000-1099/1003/Sections/1003.42.html | § 1003.42(5) |
| Georgia | ● State requires excused | State Board of Education Rules 160-5-1-.10(2)(b)(4) | https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/160-5-1-.10 | State Board of Education Rules 160-5-1-.10(2)(b)(4) | ○ State does not specify | State Board of Education Rules 160-5-1-.10(2)(b)(4) | https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/160-5-1-.10 | State Board of Education Rules 160-5-1-.10(2)(b)(4) | ○ State does not specify | ● State protects right | § 20-2-316.3 | https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/title-20/chapter-2/article-6/part-14/section-20-2-316-3/ | § 20-2-316.3 | ● Any reason opt-out allowed | § 20-2-143 | https://codes.findlaw.com/ga/title-20-education/ga-code-sect-20-2-143/ | § 20-2-143 | |||
| Hawaii | ● State requires excused | §302A-1140 | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/vol05_ch0261-0319/hrs0302a/hrs_0302a-1140.htm | §302A-1140 | ● State requires excused | §302A-1139 | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/vol05_ch0261-0319/hrs0302a/hrs_0302a-1139.htm | §302A-1139 | ○ State does not specify | ○ State does not protect right | ● Any reason opt-out allowed | Hawaii Board of Ed Policy 103-5 | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/TeachingAndLearning/HealthAndNutrition/sexed/Pages/default.aspx#:~:text=Board%20Policy | Hawaii Board of Ed Policy 103-5 | ||||||
| Idaho | ○ State does not specify | §33-204, -202 | https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title33/T33CH2/SECT33-204/ ; https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title33/T33CH2/SECT33-202/ | §33-204, -202 | ○ State does not specify | §33-519; §33-204, -202 | https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title33/T33CH5/SECT33-519/ | §33-519; §33-204, -202 | ○ State does not specify | ○ State does not protect right | ● Any reason opt-out allowed | § 33-1611 | https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title33/t33ch16/sect33-1611/#:~:text=33%2D1611.,from%20instruction%20in%20sex%20education. | § 33-1611 | ||||||
| Illinois | ● State requires excused | 105 ILCS 5/26-1(5) | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=010500050K26-1 | 105 ILCS 5/26-1(5) | ● State requires excused | 105 ILCS 5/26-1(4), -(5) | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=010500050HArt%2E+26&ActID=1005&ChapterID=17&SeqStart=170200000&SeqEnd=172900000 | 105 ILCS 5/26-1(4), -(5) | ○ State permits excused | 110 ILCS 110/1 | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1076&ChapterID=18 | 110 ILCS 110/1 | ● State protects right | 105 ILCS 5/34-21.9; 105 ILCS 5/10-20.73; 110 ILCS 805/3-29.14; 110 ILCS 685/30-220; 110 ILCS 690/35-215; 110 ILCS 680/25-210; 110 ILCS 665/10-210; 110 ILCS 670/15-210; 110 ILCS 660/5-210; 110 ILCS 305/120; 110 ILCS 520/100 | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=010500050K34-21.9 | 105 ILCS 5/34-21.9; 105 ILCS 5/10-20.73; 110 ILCS 805/3-29.14; 110 ILCS 685/30-220; 110 ILCS 690/35-215; 110 ILCS 680/25-210; 110 ILCS 665/10-210; 110 ILCS 670/15-210; 110 ILCS 660/5-210; 110 ILCS 305/120; 110 ILCS 520/100 | ● Any reason opt-out allowed | 105 ILCS 5/27-9.1a(d) | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=010500050K27-9.1a#:~:text=(d) | 105 ILCS 5/27-9.1a(d) |
| Indiana | ○ State does not specify | 20-33-2-14 | https://iga.in.gov/laws/2024/ic/titles/20#20-33-2-14 | 20-33-2-14 | ● State requires excused | 20-33-2-19 | https://iga.in.gov/laws/2024/ic/titles/20#20-33-2-19 | 20-33-2-19 | ○ State does not specify | ○ State does not protect right | § 20-33-12-4 | https://law.justia.com/codes/indiana/title-20/article-33/chapter-12/section-20-33-12-4/ | § 20-33-12-4 | ● Religious opt-out allowed | § 20-30-5-9 | https://iga.in.gov/laws/2023/ic/titles/20#20-30-5-9 | § 20-30-5-9 | |||
| Iowa | ● State requires excused | §299.2(3) | https://casetext.com/statute/code-of-iowa/title-vii-education-history-and-culture/chapter-299-compulsory-education/section-2992-exceptions? | §299.2(3) | ● State requires excused | §299.2(3 | https://casetext.com/statute/code-of-iowa/title-vii-education-history-and-culture/chapter-299-compulsory-education/section-2992-exceptions? | §299.2(3 | ○ State does not specify | ○ State does not protect right | ● Religious opt-out allowed | § 256.11 | https://casetext.com/statute/code-of-iowa/title-vii-education-history-and-culture/chapter-256-department-of-education/subchapter-i-general-provisions/section-25611#:~:text=6. | § 256.11 | ||||||
| Kansas | ○ State does not specify | 72-3121(c) | http://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch72/072_031_0021.html | 72-3121(c) | ○ State does not specify | 72-3121(c) | http://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch72/072_031_0021.html | 72-3121(c) | ○ State does not specify | ○ State does not protect right | ○ Limited topic opt-out allowed | |||||||||
| Kentucky | ○ State does not specify | 159.035 | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=53173 | 159.035 | ○ State does not specify | 159.035 | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=53173 | 159.035 | ○ State does not specify | ○ State does not protect right | ● Opt-in required for sex education | § 158.1415(1)(e) | https://casetext.com/statute/kentucky-revised-statutes/title-13-education/chapter-158-conduct-of-schools-special-programs/conduct-of-schools/section-1581415-curriculum-for-instruction-on-human-sexuality-or-sexually-transmitted-diseases-written-consent-of-parents-notification-to-parents-provision-of-alternative-curriculum#:~:text=(e) | § 158.1415(1)(e) | ||||||
| Louisiana | ● State requires excused | 17:226(A)(2)(d) | http://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=80302 | 17:226(A)(2)(d) | ○ State does not specify | 20:46 | http://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=80302 | 0.86527777777778 | ○ State does not specify | ○ State does not protect right | ● Opt-in required for sex education | § 17:281(D) | https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/revised-statutes/title-17/rs-17-281/ | § 17:281(D) | ||||||
| Maine | ● State requires excused | 20-A §3272(3)(C) | https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/20-a/title20-Asec3272.html | 20-A §3272(3)(C) | ○ State does not specify | 20-A §3272(3) | https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/20-a/title20-Asec3272.html | 20-A §3272(3) | ○ State does not specify | ○ State does not protect right | ● Any reason opt-out allowed | 22 M.R.S. § 1911 | https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/22/title22sec1911.html | 22 M.R.S. § 1911 | ||||||
| Maryland | ● State requires excused | Md. Code Regs. 13A.08.01.03(G) | https://casetext.com/regulation/maryland-administrative-code/title-13a-state-board-of-education/subtitle-08-students/chapter-13a0801-general-regulations/section-13a080103-lawful-absence? | Md. Code Regs. 13A.08.01.03(G) | ○ State does not specify | Md. Code Regs. 13A.08.01.03(G) | https://casetext.com/regulation/maryland-administrative-code/title-13a-state-board-of-education/subtitle-08-students/chapter-13a0801-general-regulations/section-13a080103-lawful-absence? | Md. Code Regs. 13A.08.01.03(G) | ○ State does not specify | EDUC §15-137 | https://casetext.com/statute/code-of-maryland/article-education/subtitle-19-financial-well-being-pilot-program/title-15-public-institutions-of-higher-education/subtitle-1-general-provisions/section-15-137-written-policy-providing-reasonable-academic-accommodations? | EDUC §15-137 | ● State protects right | Md. Edu. Code Ann. §§ 7-131, 16-110, 15-135 | https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/education/division-ii/title-7/subtitle-1/section-7-131/ | Md. Edu. Code Ann. §§ 7-131, 16-110, 15-135 | ● Any reason opt-out allowed | COMAR 13A.04.18.01(D)(2)(e) | https://casetext.com/regulation/maryland-administrative-code/title-13a-state-board-of-education/subtitle-04-specific-subjects/chapter-13a0418-program-in-comprehensive-health-education/section-13a041801-comprehensive-health-education-instructional-programs-for-grades-prekindergarten-12#:~:text=D. | COMAR 13A.04.18.01(D)(2)(e) |
| Massachusetts | ○ State does not specify | ALM GL ch. 76, § 1 | https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXII/Chapter76/Section1 | ALM GL ch. 76, § 1 | ○ State permits excused | ALM GL ch. 76, § 1 | https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXII/Chapter76/Section1 | ALM GL ch. 76, § 1 | ○ State permits excused | ALM GL ch. 151C, § 2B | https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXI/Chapter151C/Section2B | ALM GL ch. 151C, § 2B | ○ State does not protect right | || | ● Any reason opt-out allowed | ALM GL ch. 71 § 32A | https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXII/Chapter71/Section32A | ALM GL ch. 71 § 32A | ||
| Michigan | ○ State does not specify | §380.1561 | http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(jxpl4egkzuqntvkdn5ferunm))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=mcl-380-1561 | §380.1561 | ● State requires excused | §380.1561(3)(c)-(d) | http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(jxpl4egkzuqntvkdn5ferunm))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=mcl-380-1561 | §380.1561(3)(c)-(d) | ○ State does not specify | ○ State does not protect right | ● Any reason opt-out allowed | §§ 380.1506–.1507A | https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-380-1506 | §§ 380.1506–.1507A | ||||||
| Minnesota | ● State requires excused | §120A.35, -.22(12)(3) | https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/120A.35; https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/120A.22 | §120A.35, -.22(12)(3) | ○ State permits excused | §120A.22(12)(3), -.35 | https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/120A.22 ; https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/120A.35 | §120A.22(12)(3), -.35 | ○ State does not specify | ○ State does not protect right | ● Objectionable course opt-out allowed | § 120B.20 | https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/120b.20 | § 120B.20 | ||||||
| Mississippi | ● State requires excused | §37-13-91(4)(g), CMSR 07-000-003 Rule 30.2 (4)(f) | https://law.justia.com/codes/mississippi/title-37/chapter-13/mississippi-compulsory-school-attendance-law/section-37-13-91/; https://safesupportivelearning.ed.gov/discipline-compendium?state=mississippi&sub_category=Chronic%20Absenteeism%20and%20Truancy | §37-13-91(4)(g), CMSR 07-000-003 Rule 30.2 (4)(f) | ○ State does not specify | §37-13-91(4)(g) | https://law.justia.com/codes/mississippi/title-37/chapter-13/mississippi-compulsory-school-attendance-law/section-37-13-91/ | §37-13-91(4)(g) | ○ State does not specify | ○ State does not protect right | ● Opt-in required for sex education | § 37-13-173 | https://law.justia.com/codes/mississippi/title-37/chapter-13/sex-and-abstinence-education/section-37-13-173/ | § 37-13-173 | ||||||
| Missouri | ○ State does not specify | §167.031 | https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=167.031 | §167.031 | ○ State does not specify | §167.031 | https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=167.031 | §167.031 | ○ State does not specify | ○ State does not protect right | §§ 160.2500, 167.166 | https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=160.2500; https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=167.166&bid=8322&hl= | §§ 160.2500, 167.166 | ● Any reason opt-out allowed | § 170.015 | https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=170.015&bid=35986&hl= | § 170.015 | |||
| Montana | ○ State does not specify | 20-5-105, -103 | https://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca/title_0200/chapter_0050/part_0010/section_0050/0200-0050-0010-0050.html | 20-5-105, -103 | ○ State does not specify | 20-5-105, -103 | https://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca/title_0200/chapter_0050/part_0010/section_0050/0200-0050-0010-0050.html | 20-5-105, -103 | ○ State does not specify | ○ State does not protect right | ● Any reason opt-out allowed | § 20-7-120 | https://archive.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0200/chapter_0070/part_0010/section_0200/0200-0070-0010-0200.html | § 20-7-120 | ||||||
| Nebraska | ○ State does not specify | §79-201(2), -208 | https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=79-201 | §79-201(2), -208 | ○ State does not specify | §79-201(2), -208 | https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=79-201 | §79-201(2), -208 | ○ State does not specify | ● State protects right | § 79-2.159 | https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=79-2,159 | § 79-2.159 | ○ Limited topic opt-out allowed | ||||||
| Nevada | ○ State does not specify | §392.040-.122 | https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-392.html#NRS392Sec040 | §392.040-.122 | ○ State does not specify | §392.040-.122 | https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-392.html#NRS392Sec040 | §392.040-.122 | ○ State does not specify | ○ State does not protect right | ● Opt-in required for sex education | § 392.036 | https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-389.html#NRS389Sec036 | § 392.036 | ||||||
| New Hampshire | ○ State does not specify | 15 §193:1; §189:34 | http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XV/193/193-1.htm | 15 §193:1; §189:34 | ○ State does not specify | 15 §193:1; 189:34 | http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XV/193/193-1.htm | 15 §193:1; 189:34 | ○ State does not specify | ○ State does not protect right | ● Religious opt-out allowed | RSA 186:11 | https://law.justia.com/codes/new-hampshire/2022/title-xv/title-186/section-186-11/ | RSA 186:11 | ||||||
| New Jersey | ● State requires excused | 18A:36-15, -16 | https://lis.njleg.state.nj.us/nxt/gateway.dll/statutes%2F1%2F15696%2F17461 | 18A:36-15, -16 | ○ State does not specify | 18A:36-13.1, -13.2, -14, -15, -16 | https://lis.njleg.state.nj.us/nxt/gateway.dll/statutes%2F1%2F15696%2F17458 | 18A:36-13.1, -13.2, -14, -15, -16 | ○ State does not specify | ○ State does not protect right | ● Religious opt-out allowed | § 18A:35-4.7 | https://casetext.com/statute/new-jersey-statutes/title-18a-education/chapter-18a35-2-year-course-of-study-in-history/section-18a35-47-parents-statement-of-conflict-with-conscience | § 18A:35-4.7 | ||||||
| New Mexico | ○ State does not specify | 22-12A-2(G) | https://nmonesource.com/nmos/nmsa/en/item/4368/index.do#!fragment/undefined/BQCwhgziBcwMYgK4DsDWsBGB7LqC2YATqgJIAm0A5AEzUC0AjNQIJ3WUCUANMlgC4BTCAEVEAwgE8qlLhAFEEo8VMoy5CkAGUshPgCEpAJQCiAGWMA1ZgDkAwsa58wGaHyxwOHIA | 22-12A-2(G) | ● State requires excused | 22-12A-2(G) | https://nmonesource.com/nmos/nmsa/en/item/4368/index.do#!fragment/undefined/BQCwhgziBcwMYgK4DsDWsBGB7LqC2YATqgJIAm0A5AEzUC0AjNQIJ3WUCUANMlgC4BTCAEVEAwgE8qlLhAFEEo8VMoy5CkAGUshPgCEpAJQCiAGWMA1ZgDkAwsa58wGaHyxwOHIA | 22-12A-2(G) | ○ State does not specify | ○ State does not protect right | ● Any reason opt-out allowed | N.M. Admin. Code § 6.29.6.11 | https://casetext.com/regulation/new-mexico-administrative-code/title-6-primary-and-secondary-education/chapter-29-standards-for-excellence/part-6-health-education/section-629611-sexuality-performance-standards-exemption | N.M. Admin. Code § 6.29.6.11 | ||||||
| New York | ● State requires excused | EDN §3210(1)(b)(i) | https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/EDN/3210 | EDN §3210(1)(b)(i) | ● State requires excused | EDN §3210(1)(b)(i) | https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/EDN/3210 | EDN §3210(1)(b)(i) | ○ State permits excused | EDN §224-a | https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/EDN/224-A | EDN §224-a | ○ State does not protect right | ● Any reason opt-out allowed | NY CLS Educ. § 3204 | https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/EDN/3204#:~:text=health | NY CLS Educ. § 3204 | |||
| North Carolina | ● State requires excused | §115C-379(b)(1) | https://www.ncleg.net/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bysection/chapter_115c/gs_115c-379.html | §115C-379(b)(1) | ○ State does not specify | §115C-379(b)(1) | https://www.ncleg.net/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bysection/chapter_115c/gs_115c-379.html | §115C-379(b)(1) | ○ State does not specify | §116-11 (3a), §115D-5 (u) | https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/PDF/BySection/Chapter_116/GS_116-11.pdf | §116-11 (3a), §115D-5 (u) | ○ State does not protect right | ● Any reason opt-out allowed | § 115C-81.30(c) | https://www.ncleg.gov/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bychapter/chapter_115c.html#:~:text=Parental%20Review%20and%20Consent | § 115C-81.30(c) | |||
| North Dakota | ● State requires excused | §15.1-20-02.1(2)(a) | https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t15-1c20.pdf | §15.1-20-02.1(2)(a) | ● State requires excused | §15.1-20-02.1(2)(a) | https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t15-1c20.pdf | §15.1-20-02.1(2)(a) | ○ State does not specify | ○ State does not protect right | ○ Limited topic opt-out allowed | |||||||||
| Ohio | ● State requires excused | ORC Ann. 3320.04; H.B. 214 | https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-3320.04 | ORC Ann. 3320.04; H.B. 214 | ● State requires excused | 3313.6022 | https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-3313.6022/4-9-2025 | 3313.6022 | ○ State does not specify | §3345.024 | https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/rule-3341-3-82 | §3345.024 | ● State protects right | § 3313.5317 | https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-3313.5317 | § 3313.5317 | ● Any reason opt-out allowed | ORC § 3313.60(A)(5) | https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-3313.60 | ORC § 3313.60(A)(5) |
| Oklahoma | ○ State does not specify | 70 §10-107, -106 | https://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/DeliverDocument.asp?CiteID=90125 | 70 §10-107, -106 | ● State requires excused | 70 Okl. St. § 11-101.3; HB 1425 | https://casetext.com/statute/oklahoma-statutes/title-70-schools/chapter-1-school-code-of-1971/article-xi-curriculum/section-11-1013#:~:text=Each%20school%20district%20board%20of%20education%20shall%20adopt,class%20periods%20per%20school%20year%3B%20provided%2C%20that%3A%201. | 70 Okl. St. § 11-101.3; HB 1425 | ○ State does not specify | ○ State does not protect right | ● Any reason opt-out allowed | 70 Okl. St. § 11-105.1 | https://law.justia.com/codes/oklahoma/title-70/section-70-11-105-1/ | 70 Okl. St. § 11-105.1 | ||||||
| Oregon | ● State requires excused | Oregon Admin. Rules, Oregon Dept. of Education 581-021-0046(5) | https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/viewSingleRule.action?ruleVrsnRsn=300068 | Oregon Admin. Rules, Oregon Dept. of Education 581-021-0046(5) | ● State requires excused | §339.420 | https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors339.html | §339.420 | ○ State does not specify | §350.250 | https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors350.html | §350.250 | ● State protects right | OAR 581-022-2308 (admin code) | https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/oregon/Or-Admin-Code-SS-581-022-2308 | OAR 581-022-2308 (admin code) | ● Any reason opt-out allowed | OAR § 581-022-2050(5) (admin code); ORS §§ 336.035(2), 336.465(1)(b) (statutory) | https://oregon.public.law/rules/oar_581-022-2050#:~:text=(5) | OAR § 581-022-2050(5) (admin code); ORS §§ 336.035(2), 336.465(1)(b) (statutory) |
| Pennsylvania | ● State requires excused | 22 §11.21 | https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/022/chapter11/s11.21.html&d= | 22 §11.21 | ● State requires excused | 22 §11.21 | https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/022/chapter11/s11.21.html&d= | 22 §11.21 | ○ State does not specify | ○ State does not protect right | ○ Limited topic opt-out allowed | 22 Pa. Code § 4.29(c) | https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/022/chapter4/s4.29.html | 22 Pa. Code § 4.29(c) | ||||||
| Rhode Island | ○ State does not specify | §16-19-1 | http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE16/16-19/16-19-1.htm | §16-19-1 | ○ State does not specify | §16-19-1 | http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE16/16-19/16-19-1.htm | §16-19-1 | ○ State does not specify | ○ State does not protect right | ● Any reason opt-out allowed | § 16-22-17(c) | http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/title16/16-22/16-22-18.HTM | § 16-22-17(c) | ||||||
| South Carolina | ● State requires excused | South Carolina Code of Regs. 43-274(1)(A)(3) | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/coderegs/Chapter%2043.pdf#page=138 | South Carolina Code of Regs. 43-274(1)(A)(3) | ○ State permits excused | §59-1-460 | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t59c001.php | §59-1-460 | ○ State does not specify | ○ State does not protect right | ● Any reason opt-out allowed | § 59-32-50 | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t59c032.php | § 59-32-50 | ||||||
| South Dakota | ○ State does not specify | §13-27-2, -6, -6.1 | https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/Codified_Laws/2042000 | §13-27-2, -6, -6.1 | ○ State does not specify | §13-27-2, -6, -6.1 | https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/Codified_Laws/2042000 | §13-27-2, -6, -6.1 | ○ State does not specify | ○ State does not protect right | ○ Limited topic opt-out allowed | |||||||||
| Tennessee | ● State requires excused | §49-6-2904(b)(5) | https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/title-49/chapter-2/part-1/section-49-2-130/ | §49-6-2904(b)(5) | ○ State permits excused | §49-2-130(b) | https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/title-49/chapter-2/part-1/section-49-2-130/ | §49-2-130(b) | ○ State does not specify | ○ State does not protect right | ● Any reason opt-out allowed | § 49-6-1305 | https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/title-49/chapter-6/part-13/section-49-6-1305/ | § 49-6-1305 | ||||||
| Texas | ● State requires excused | EDU §25.087(b)(1)(A) | https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ED/htm/ED.25.htm#25.087 | EDU §25.087(b)(1)(A) | ○ State does not specify | EDU §25.087(b)(1)(A) | https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ED/htm/ED.25.htm#25.087 | EDU §25.087(b)(1)(A) | ○ State does not specify | EDU §59.911 | https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ED/htm/ED.51.htm#51.911 | EDU §59.911 | ○ State does not protect right | ● Objectionable course opt-out allowed | Tex. Educ. Code § 26.010 | https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/docs/ed/htm/ed.26.htm | Tex. Educ. Code § 26.010 | |||
| Utah | ○ State does not specify | §53G-6-201(10) | https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title53G/Chapter6/53G-6-S201.html | §53G-6-201(10) | ○ State does not specify | §53G-6-201(10) | https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title53G/Chapter6/53G-6-S201.html | §53G-6-201(10) | ○ State does not specify | ● State protects right | §53G-7-804 | https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title53G/Chapter7/53G-7-S804.html?v=C53G-7-S804_2023050320230701 | §53G-7-804 | ● Opt-in required for sex education | § 53G-10-403(2) | https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title53G/Chapter10/53G-10-S403.html | § 53G-10-403(2) | |||
| Vermont | ○ State does not specify | 16 §1123(a) | https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/16/025/01123 | 16 §1123(a) | ○ State does not specify | 16 §1123(a) | https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/16/025/01123 | 16 §1123(a) | ○ State does not specify | ○ State does not protect right | ● Religious opt-out allowed | 16 V.S.A. § 134 | https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/16/001/00134 | 16 V.S.A. § 134 | ||||||
| Virginia | ● State requires excused | §22.1-254(C); 8VAC20-730-10 | https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/22.1-254/ | §22.1-254(C); 8VAC20-730-10 | ○ State does not specify | 8VAC20-730-10 | https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title8/agency20/chapter730/section10/ | 8VAC20-730-10 | ○ State does not specify | ○ State does not protect right | ● Any reason opt-out allowed | § 22.1-207.2 | https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title22.1/chapter13/section22.1-207.2/ | § 22.1-207.2 | ||||||
| Washington | ● State requires excused | §28A-225-010(1)(e); WAC §392-401-020(1)(c); | https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=28a.225&full=true&pdf=true/#28A.225.010 | §28A-225-010(1)(e); WAC §392-401-020(1)(c); | ● State requires excused | WAC §392-401-020(1)(c); §28A-225-010(1)(e) | https://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=392-401-020 | WAC §392-401-020(1)(c); §28A-225-010(1)(e) | ● State requires excused | §28B-137.010 | https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=28B.137.010 | §28B-137.010 | ○ State does not protect right | § 28A.320.140 | https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=28A.320.140 | § 28A.320.140 | ● Any reason opt-out allowed | § 28A.300.475(7)(a) | https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=28A.300.475#:~:text=(7)(a) | § 28A.300.475(7)(a) |
| West Virginia | ○ State does not specify | §18-8-4 | https://code.wvlegislature.gov/18-8-4/ | §18-8-4 | ○ State permits excused | §18-8-1(j); -4 | https://code.wvlegislature.gov/18-8-1/ | §18-8-1(j); -4 | ○ State does not specify | ○ State does not protect right | § 18-33-5 | https://code.wvlegislature.gov/18-33-5/#:~:text=(d) | § 18-33-5 | ○ Limited topic opt-out allowed | § 18-2-9(c) | https://code.wvlegislature.gov/18-2-9/#:~:text=(c)%20An%20opportunity | § 18-2-9(c) | |||
| Wisconsin | ● State requires excused | §118.15(1)(a), -(am) | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/118/15/1/a | §118.15(1)(a), -(am) | ● State requires excused | §118.155(1) | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/118.155(1) | §118.155(1) | ○ State does not specify | §36.43 | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/36/43 | §36.43 | ○ State does not protect right | ● Any reason opt-out allowed | § 118.019(4) | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/118/019/4 | § 118.019(4) | |||
| Wyoming | ○ State does not specify | §21-3-110(xxxix) | Wyoming Statutes § 21-3-110 (2021) - Duties of Boards of Trustees. :: 2021 Wyoming Statutes :: U.S. Codes and Statutes :: U.S. Law :: Justia | Wyoming Statutes § 21-3-110 (2021) - Duties of Boards of Trustees. :: 2021 Wyoming Statutes :: U.S. Codes and Statutes :: U.S. Law :: Justia||§21-3-110(xxxix) | ○ State does not specify | §21-3-110(xxxix) | Wyoming Statutes § 21-3-110 (2021) - Duties of Boards of Trustees. :: 2021 Wyoming Statutes :: U.S. Codes and Statutes :: U.S. Law :: Justia | Wyoming Statutes § 21-3-110 (2021) - Duties of Boards of Trustees. :: 2021 Wyoming Statutes :: U.S. Codes and Statutes :: U.S. Law :: Justia||§21-3-110(xxxix) | ○ State does not specify | ○ State does not protect right | ○ Limited topic opt-out allowed |
Note on citations:
Due to changes in online law databases and states’ websites, we cannot ensure that every link to a state law will be functional in perpetuity. If a link to a statute is no longer functional, please use a search engine to locate the state’s code and use the citation number to manually navigate to the relevant law. Where multiple laws are cited, the link is for the first law listed. For more information on citations, download the full data set which includes additional research notes.