Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits a state action from substantially burdening a person's exercise of religion, effective immediately.

Highlights:

• Prohibits any state action from “substantially burdening” a “person’s” exercise of religion, unless the following criteria are met (Sec. 1):
• The action is essential to further a “compelling governmental interest”; and
• The action uses the least restrictive means to further the interest.
• Defines “substantial burden” as preventing, inhibiting, or curtailing a religiously-motivated practice that is consistent with a sincerely held religious belief (Sec. 1).
• Specifies that a “substantial burden” includes an indirect burden, such as withholding benefits, assessing penalties, or excluding a person from programs or access to facilities (Sec. 1).
• Defines “person” as an individual, association, partnership, corporation, church, religious institution, estate, trust, foundation, or other legal entity (Sec. 1).
• Defines “compelling governmental interest” as a governmental interest of the “highest magnitude” that cannot be achieved without burdening the exercise of religion (Sec. 1).
• Authorizes a person to take legal action against the state if their exercise of religion has been substantially burdened by state action in violation of the provisions of this bill (Sec. 1).
• Exempts the Department of Correction, Department of Community Correction, county jails, and detention facilities from the provisions of this bill (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits a state action from substantially burdening a person's exercise of religion, effective immediately.

Highlights:

• Prohibits any state action from “substantially burdening” a “person’s” exercise of religion, unless the following criteria are met (Sec. 1):
• The action is essential to further a “compelling governmental interest”; and
• The action uses the least restrictive means to further the interest.
• Defines “substantial burden” as preventing, inhibiting, or curtailing a religiously-motivated practice that is consistent with a sincerely held religious belief (Sec. 1).
• Specifies that a “substantial burden” includes an indirect burden, such as withholding benefits, assessing penalties, or excluding a person from programs or access to facilities (Sec. 1).
• Defines “person” as an individual, association, partnership, corporation, church, religious institution, estate, trust, foundation, or other legal entity (Sec. 1).
• Defines “compelling governmental interest” as a governmental interest of the “highest magnitude” that cannot be achieved without burdening the exercise of religion (Sec. 1).
• Authorizes a person to take legal action against the state if their exercise of religion has been substantially burdened by state action in violation of the provisions of this bill (Sec. 1).
• Exempts the Department of Correction, Department of Community Correction, county jails, and detention facilities from the provisions of this bill (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text