Schools must release students for religious education under a bill headed to the governors desk. House Bill 1137 retained language about religious instruction but axed language that would have let clergy work as chaplains in schools.

A proposal to put chaplains in public schools could be derailed in the final weeks of the legislative session. However, a Senate committee voted this week to add the bill's language into a different measure, giving it another opportunity to make it into law.

A proposal passed by a Senate committee would require schools to release students for faith-based instruction if requested regardless of the students academics. Lawmakers removed exceptions for students who are habitually truant or struggling academically.

Public schools could be required to let students take time out of the school day for religious instruction. Indiana lawmakers are considering a plan to let students get faith-based education for up to two hours per week.