AR SB975

Enacts the Religious Freedom Restoration Act as Arkansas Code Title 16, Chapter 123, Subchapter 4, establishing protections for religious exercise in the state.

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 to do so.

Allows persons whose religious exercise is burdened in violation of the act to assert a claim or defense in judicial proceedings and obtain appropriate relief against government entities.

Applies to all state law and implementation thereof, whether statutory or otherwise, and to state statutory law adopted after the act's 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 and declares the act effective immediately upon gubernatorial approval or expiration of the veto period.