Signed by Governor Jeff Colyer

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to adopt a conference report that authorizes child placement agencies to deny services based on religion.

Highlights:

• Prohibits a child placement agency (CPA) from being required to perform, refer, or otherwise participate in any placement of a child for foster care or adoption when the proposed placement of such child violates the CPA’s religious beliefs (Sec. 1).

• Requires the CPA’s religious beliefs to be described in the CPA’s organizing documents, written policies, or other written documentation that is approved by the CPA’s governing body (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits taking the following actions against a CPA solely based on the CPA’s objection to providing services on the grounds of religious beliefs (Sec. 1):

• Denial of a license, permit, or other authorization by a state agency or political subdivision;

• Denial of participation in any program operated by the Department for Children and Families (DCF) in which CPAs are allowed to participate;

• Denial of reimbursement for performing foster care placement or adoption services on behalf of an entity that has a contract with DCF as a case management contractor; or

• Imposition of a civil fine or other adverse administrative action or any claim or cause of action under any state or local law.

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill do not apply to any entity while the entity has a contract with DCF as a case management contractor (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to adopt a conference report that authorizes child placement agencies to deny services based on religion.

Highlights:

• Prohibits a child placement agency (CPA) from being required to perform, refer, or otherwise participate in any placement of a child for foster care or adoption when the proposed placement of such child violates the CPA’s religious beliefs (Sec. 1).

• Requires the CPA’s religious beliefs to be described in the CPA’s organizing documents, written policies, or other written documentation that is approved by the CPA’s governing body (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits taking the following actions against a CPA solely based on the CPA’s objection to providing services on the grounds of religious beliefs (Sec. 1):

• Denial of a license, permit, or other authorization by a state agency or political subdivision;

• Denial of participation in any program operated by the Department for Children and Families (DCF) in which CPAs are allowed to participate;

• Denial of reimbursement for performing foster care placement or adoption services on behalf of an entity that has a contract with DCF as a case management contractor; or

• Imposition of a civil fine or other adverse administrative action or any claim or cause of action under any state or local law.

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill do not apply to any entity while the entity has a contract with DCF as a case management contractor (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text