summary
Introduced
02/11/2021
02/11/2021
In Committee
03/15/2021
03/15/2021
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/01/2022
02/01/2022
Introduced Session
2021-2022 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act to amend Section 8571, 8627, 8627.5, 8634, and 8655 of, and to add Article 18.5 (commencing with Section 8663) to Chapter 7 of Division 1 of Title 2 of, the Government Code, and to amend Sections 120130, 120135, 120140, 120145, and 131080 of the Health and Safety Code, relating to emergency powers.
AI Summary
This bill, the Religion is Essential Act, would require the Governor or local government to deem religious services as an essential service necessary and vital to public health and welfare during a state of emergency or local emergency. The bill would prohibit the state and local government from taking discriminatory actions against religious organizations or enforcing any health, safety, or occupancy requirements that impose a substantial burden on religious services, unless the government demonstrates that the burden is essential to further a compelling governmental interest and is the least restrictive means of doing so. The bill would authorize religious organizations to assert a violation of these provisions as a claim or defense in legal proceedings and entitle them to certain relief if successful.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (9)
Brian Jones (R)*,
Patricia Bates (R),
Andreas Borgeas (R),
Brian Dahle (R),
Shannon Grove (R),
Melissa Melendez (R),
Jim Nielsen (R),
Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R),
Scott Wilk (R),
Last Action
Returned to Secretary of Senate pursuant to Joint Rule 56. (on 02/01/2022)
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...