Loading chat...

MO HB2760

Bill

Official Source

Status

Introduced

1/7/2026

Primary Sponsor

Sean Pouche

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Prohibits the state and political subdivisions from imposing restrictions on religious places of worship during declared emergencies that would make religious services impractical
  • Requires religious places of worship to receive the same exemptions as any other entity exempted from emergency declarations or orders
  • Protects religious services held on private property from being prohibited under emergency orders
  • Exempts emergency evacuation orders for imminent dangers (flooding, fires, tornadoes, earthquakes, terrorist threats, civil unrest, hazardous materials) from these protections, though services may resume once danger passes
  • Allows affected religious places of worship to bring civil action seeking injunctive orders, compensatory damages, nominal damages, and punitive damages where malice or recklessness is demonstrated

Legislative Description

Establishes the "PRAISE Act", prohibiting the closure of places of worship during an emergency

Last Action

Reported Do Pass (H) - AYES: 9 NOES: 2 PRESENT: 1

3/5/2026

Committee Referrals

Rules - Legislative2/26/2026
Emerging Issues1/22/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available