AR SB229

Establishes the "Religious Freedom Restoration Act" as a new subchapter (16-123-401 through 16-123-407) in Arkansas Code Title 16, Chapter 123

Prohibits government from substantially burdening a person's exercise of religion unless the burden furthers a compelling governmental interest and uses the least restrictive means of achieving that interest

Allows persons whose religious exercise is burdened to assert a claim or defense in judicial proceedings and obtain appropriate relief, with standing governed by general rules of statute and court procedure

Applies to all state law and implementation of state law, whether statutory or otherwise, and whether adopted before or after the effective date, unless explicitly excluded by reference

Exempts the Department of Correction, Department of Community Correction, county jails, and detention facilities from the act's requirements

Declares an emergency and makes the act effective immediately upon governor approval, expiration of veto period, or veto override