NC H751

Establishes the North Carolina Religious Freedom Restoration Act to protect the free exercise of religion under the First Amendment and Article I, Section 13 of the North Carolina Constitution.

Prohibits the state from substantially burdening a person's free exercise of religion unless the state demonstrates the burden furthers a compelling state interest and uses the least restrictive means to achieve that interest.

Defines "person" broadly to include individuals, corporations, firms, partnerships, associations, and organizations, and applies restrictions to all state and local laws and ordinances.

Allows persons whose exercise of religion has been substantially burdened to assert the violation as a claim or defense in judicial proceedings and entitles prevailing parties to recover attorney's fees and costs.

Clarifies that the act does not authorize the state to burden religious beliefs and does not affect Establishment Clause protections under the First Amendment or North Carolina Constitution.