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IN SB0568
Bill
Status
1/20/2015
Primary Sponsor
Scott Schneider
Click for details
AI Summary
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Prohibits state or local government actions from substantially burdening a person's exercise of religion unless the burden is essential to further a compelling governmental interest and is the least restrictive means available.
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Defines "burden" to include actions that constrain, inhibit, curtail, or deny religious exercise, as well as withholding benefits, assessing penalties, or excluding persons from governmental programs or facilities.
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Allows persons whose religious exercise has been or is likely to be substantially burdened to assert violations as a claim or defense in judicial proceedings, regardless of whether the state or political subdivision is a party to the proceeding.
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Permits prevailing claimants to obtain injunctive relief, declaratory relief, compensatory damages, and recovery of court costs and reasonable attorney's fees.
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Becomes effective upon passage, with an emergency declaration included in the bill.
Legislative Description
Religious freedom restoration act. Provides that a state or local government action may not substantially burden a person's right to the exercise of religion unless it is demonstrated that applying the burden to the person's exercise of religion is: (1) essential to further a compelling governmental interest; and (2) the least restrictive means of furthering the compelling governmental interest. Provides that a person whose exercise of religion has been substantially burdened, or is likely to be substantially burdened, by a state or local government action may assert the burden as a claim or defense in a judicial proceeding, regardless of
Last Action
Senator Leising added as coauthor
2/5/2015