AR HB2232

Creates the "Government Nondiscrimination Act of 2017" to prohibit state action against persons based on sincerely held religious beliefs or moral convictions that marriage should be between one man and one woman or that biological sex is determined by anatomy and genetics at birth.

Defines "discriminatory action" by the state to include altering tax treatment, denying charitable contribution deductions, withholding grants or contracts, denying state benefit program eligibility, and restricting access to state property or educational institutions.

Exempts state employees acting within their employment duties and medical facilities from visitation, health care decision-making recognition, and emergency medical treatment provisions.

Allows persons to assert violations as claims or defenses in judicial or administrative proceedings to obtain injunctive relief, declaratory relief, or other nonmonetary relief without exhausting administrative remedies.

Provides that prevailing parties in enforcement actions may recover reasonable attorneys' fees and costs; protections apply in addition to existing constitutional and statutory protections for religious exercise.