Loading chat...
IN SB0459
Bill
Status
1/12/2017
Primary Sponsor
Randall Head
Click for details
AI Summary
Senate Bill 459 Summary
-
Requires hospitals licensed under IC 16-21-13 to permit inpatients who practice Native American Indian religions to use ceremonial smudge materials in religious ceremonies.
-
Requires health facilities licensed under IC 16-28-17 to permit patients who practice Native American Indian religions to use ceremonial smudge materials in religious ceremonies.
-
Defines "ceremonial smudge materials" as sage, red willow root, sweetgrass, cedar, and other items used in accordance with traditional Native American Indian customs.
-
Allows accommodations for ceremonial tobacco and smudge use either by designating a place within the facility that meets fire safety and building laws, or by permitting patients to use these materials outside the facility if indoor use poses a danger.
-
Effective date: July 1, 2017.
Legislative Description
Use of tobacco and smudge materials. Requires hospitals and nursing homes to accommodate the use of ceremonial tobacco and ceremonial smudge materials for practitioners of Native American Indian religions.
Last Action
First reading: referred to Committee on Public Policy
1/12/2017