OH HB376

Enacts the Ohio Religious Freedom Restoration Act as sections 9.69, 9.691, and 9.692 of the Revised Code.

Prohibits state action from burdening a person's exercise of religion unless the burden is essential to further a compelling governmental interest and is the least restrictive means of furthering that interest.

Defines "burden" to include actions that constrain, inhibit, curtail, or deny religious exercise, including withholding benefits, assessing penalties, or excluding from governmental programs or facilities.

Permits persons whose religious exercise has been burdened or is likely to be burdened to assert a claim or defense in judicial proceedings and obtain appropriate relief including injunctive relief, declaratory relief, compensatory damages, and recovery of costs and attorney's fees.

Defines "exercise of religion" to include the ability to act or refuse to act in a manner substantially motivated by sincerely held religious belief, regardless of whether the exercise is compulsory or central to a larger system of religious belief.