OK SB1846

Amends the Oklahoma Religious Freedom Act (51 O.S. Sections 252 and 253) to expand the definition of "exercise of religion" to include the ability to act or refuse to act based on sincerely held religious beliefs, whether or not compulsory or central to a larger religious system

Broadens the definition of "substantially burden" to include directly or indirectly constraining, inhibiting, or compelling action contrary to religious exercise, including withholding benefits, assessing penalties, or excluding from government programs

Allows individuals whose religious exercise has been or is likely to be substantially burdened to assert violations as a claim or defense in judicial proceedings, even when the state is not a party

Provides for appropriate relief including injunctive or declaratory relief, compensatory damages, and attorney fees and costs for successful claims

Establishes legislative findings citing the 1990 Employment Division v. Smith Supreme Court decision as having curtailed religious freedom protections, with the stated purpose of restoring the compelling interest test for laws burdening religious exercise