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GA SB180
Bill
Status
Engrossed
2/29/2024
Primary Sponsor
Ed Setzler
Click for details
AI Summary
- Prohibits state and local government from substantially burdening a person's exercise of religion — even through rules of general applicability — unless the government demonstrates the burden furthers a compelling governmental interest using the least restrictive means available
- Adopts the same compelling interest test as the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act, applied specifically to Georgia state and local government actions, in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in City of Boerne v. Flores (1997) requiring states to adopt the standard through their own legislation
- Defines "exercise of religion" broadly to include any religious practice or observance, whether or not compelled by or central to a system of religious belief
- Allows individuals whose religious exercise is substantially burdened in violation of the act to assert the violation as a claim or defense in judicial proceedings and obtain appropriate relief against government
- Permits courts to award reasonable attorney fees to prevailing parties (other than government) in enforcement actions under the act
Legislative Description
"Georgia Religious Freedom Restoration Act"; enact
Last Action
House Second Readers
3/5/2024
Committee Referrals
Judiciary3/4/2024
Judiciary2/15/2023
Full Bill Text
No bill text available