HF 1895 Summary

• Prohibits the commissioner of health and local health boards from prohibiting or limiting religious organizations from operating or conducting religious services during a disaster emergency.

• Defines "discriminatory action" to include altering tax treatment, withholding state benefits, imposing fines or penalties, or denying licenses or certifications to religious organizations based on their religious status or operations during emergencies.

• Allows religious organizations to comply with neutral health, safety, and occupancy requirements applicable to all organizations unless requirements impose substantial burden and are not the least restrictive means of furthering a compelling health or safety interest.

• Permits religious organizations to bring legal claims or assert defenses in judicial or administrative proceedings for violations, with a two-year statute of limitations, and allows recovery of declaratory relief, injunctive relief, compensatory damages, and attorney fees.

• Waives sovereign, governmental, and qualified immunities for suits against state health officials and provides that this section supersedes conflicting state statutes and gubernatorial orders unless expressly exempted.