Bill > HSB677

This Study Bill, also known as HF 2437, aims to protect the free exercise of religion by preventing government entities, officials, and employees from burdening religious practices. Specifically, it prohibits the government from treating religious conduct more restrictively than comparable secular conduct, whether due to economic reasons or perceived risk. If a person's religious exercise is burdened in violation of this bill, they can take legal action for damages, an injunction, or other remedies, and can also use this violation as a defense in court or administrative proceedings, with the possibility of recovering attorney fees and costs if they win. The bill also amends existing laws concerning the powers of counties and cities to ensure their "home rule" powers do not allow them to enact laws that violate this new protection for religious freedom.