summary
Introduced
02/07/2025
02/07/2025
In Committee
02/07/2025
02/07/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Creates the Protecting Religious Assembly in States of Emergency Act, which may be referred to as the PRAISE Act. Provides that an order, rule, regulation, ordinance, resolution, or other directive issued by the State government or a unit of local government pursuant to an emergency or health or safety determination, declaration, or proclamation that requires closure or limitation of any business or other facility otherwise open to public use or patronage, but which exempts in whole or in part any particular entity or set of entities, shall exempt to the same extent a place of worship of a tax exempt religious organization as the other entities are exempted. Requires the provisions to be construed to afford to religious organizations and the organizations' places of worship the same degree of freedom to meet as is afforded to the most favored entity or set of entities. Allows a civil action by a person or religious organization that has been burdened or impaired by a violation of the provisions, including injunctive orders; compensatory damages; nominal damages; a finding of a violation; and, when malice or recklessness is demonstrated, punitive damages. Limits the concurrent exercise of home rule powers. Amends the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act to make a conforming change.
AI Summary
This bill, known as the Protecting Religious Assembly in States of Emergency Act (PRAISE Act), establishes protections for religious organizations during emergency situations. It defines a "place of worship" as any building primarily used for religious worship, including its grounds. The bill requires that during a state of emergency, any government order that limits or closes businesses or public facilities must apply the same exemptions to tax-exempt religious organizations as it does to other entities. This means if certain businesses or organizations are allowed to remain open or have reduced restrictions, places of worship must receive identical treatment. The bill allows religious organizations or individuals to file civil lawsuits if they believe their rights have been violated, with potential remedies including injunctive orders, compensatory and nominal damages, and punitive damages in cases of malice or recklessness. Additionally, the bill limits local governments' ability to create regulations that conflict with these protections, ensuring consistent treatment of religious assemblies across different jurisdictions during emergency situations.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Assignments (on 02/07/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2358&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104 |
| BillText | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/SB/10400SB2358.htm |
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