Bill > HB54

This bill amends the Religious Freedom Protection Act to expand protections for religious exercise by modifying the definition of "substantially burden" and limiting how government agencies can restrict religious practices. The bill broadens the definition of actions that constitute a substantial burden on religious freedom, including preventing physical assembly for religious purposes, compelling conduct that violates religious tenets, and authorizing adverse actions against individuals exercising their religious beliefs. Specifically, the bill adds new provisions that prevent agencies from using emergency orders (such as those issued during public health emergencies) as a basis for restricting religious practices. The changes aim to provide broader legal protections for individuals' right to practice their religion without government interference, ensuring that agencies cannot significantly constrain religious conduct, expression, or gatherings. The bill will take effect 60 days after its enactment, giving state agencies and citizens time to understand and implement the new religious freedom protections.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=54