HB 15-1171: Colorado Freedom of Conscience Protection Act

• Prohibits state action from burdening a person's exercise of religion unless the burden is essential to furthing a compelling governmental interest and is the least restrictive means available

• Defines "burden" broadly to include actions that constrain, inhibit, curtail, or deny religious exercise, including withholding benefits, assessing penalties, or excluding persons from governmental programs or facilities

• Allows persons whose religious exercise is burdened by state action to assert a claim or defense in judicial proceedings and seek relief including injunctive relief, declaratory relief, compensatory damages, and attorney fees

• Specifies that the bill does not create employee rights against private employers, only against government employers

• Applies to state actions occurring on or after the bill's effective date