HB17-1013: Colorado Freedom of Conscience Protection Act

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

• Defines "exercise of religion" as the practice or observance of religion, including the ability to act or refuse to act based on sincerely held religious beliefs, whether or not compulsory or central to a larger religious system; excludes actions based on race or ethnicity.

• Defines "burden" to include constraining, inhibiting, curtailing, or denying religious exercise; withholding benefits; assessing penalties; or excluding persons from governmental programs or facilities.

• Allows persons whose exercise of religion is burdened or likely to be burdened to assert violations as claims or defenses in judicial proceedings and obtain injunctive relief, declaratory relief, compensatory damages, and attorney fees.

• Limits employee protections under the act to government employers only; does not create rights by employees against private employers.