Public school students who participate in a course of moral instruction or a religious observance at their place of worship or other suitable place may be granted release time for the period actually spent on that instruction or observance, up to a maximum of one hour per week. The granting of release time shall be at the option of the local school unit and shall not result in any additional cost to the local school unit. Release time shall be granted in accordance with policies established by the local school unit. [PL 1983, c. 767, §3 (NEW).]