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IN SB0066

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/5/2016

Primary Sponsor

Michael Young

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2016 Regular Session

AI Summary

SB 66 Summary

  • Creates a new chapter (IC 22-9-11) establishing state policy to recognize, preserve, and protect fundamental constitutional rights of Indiana citizens with greatest deference by courts, executive, and legislature.

  • Defines "fundamental rights" to include the right to worship, free exercise of religion and conscience, freedom of religion, freedom of thought and speech, right of assemblage and petition, and right to bear arms as enumerated in the Indiana Constitution.

  • Prohibits governmental entities from substantially burdening a person's fundamental right unless the entity demonstrates the burden furthers a compelling governmental interest and is the least restrictive means of achieving that interest.

  • Defines "governmental entity" to include state government, political subdivisions, and state instrumentalities such as educational institutions.

  • Repeals the existing Religious Freedom Restoration Act (IC 34-13-9) effective July 1, 2016.

Legislative Description

Civil rights. Defines certain provisions of the Constitution of the State of Indiana as "fundamental rights" and prohibits the government from substantially burdening a fundamental right unless the governmental entity demonstrates that the application of the burden to the person: (1) is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest; and (2) is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest. (Repeals the religious freedom restoration act).

Last Action

Senator Kruse added as coauthor

1/19/2016

Committee Referrals

Judiciary1/5/2016

Full Bill Text

No bill text available