summary
Introduced
02/01/2021
02/01/2021
In Committee
03/29/2021
03/29/2021
Crossed Over
02/24/2021
02/24/2021
Passed
Dead
06/30/2021
06/30/2021
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
Fifty-fifth Legislature - First Regular Session (2021)
Bill Summary
Religious services; essential services
AI Summary
This bill declares religious services as essential services during a state of emergency and prohibits the state government from discriminating against religious organizations based on their religious status or conduct. The bill provides that religious organizations can continue operating and engaging in religious services to the same or greater extent as other essential services, subject to neutral health, safety, and occupancy requirements. The bill also allows religious organizations to assert claims against the state government for any discriminatory actions and seeks to broadly protect the free exercise of religion. The bill cites legal precedents and expert testimony to support the position that religious services can be conducted safely in accordance with public health guidelines.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs, Justice
Sponsors (33)
Ben Toma (R)*,
Nancy Barto (R),
Brenda Barton (R),
Leo Biasiucci (R),
Walt Blackman (R),
Shawnna Bolick (R),
Russell Bowers (R),
Paul Boyer (R),
Judy Burges (R),
Frank Carroll (R),
Joseph Chaplik (R),
Regina Cobb (R),
David Cook (R),
Tim Dunn (R),
John Fillmore (R),
Mark Finchem (R),
Travis Grantham (R),
Rick Gray (R),
Gail Griffin (R),
Jake Hoffman (R),
Joel John (R),
Steve Kaiser (R),
John Kavanagh (R),
David Livingston (R),
Quang Nguyen (R),
Becky Nutt (R),
Joanne Osborne (R),
Jacqueline Parker (R),
Kevin Payne (R),
Beverly Pingerelli (R),
Bret Roberts (R),
Jeff Weninger (R),
Justin Wilmeth (R),
Last Action
Senate Committee of the Whole action: Retained (on 05/03/2021)
Official Document
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