Bill > H776

This bill aims to strengthen religious freedom protections in North Carolina by establishing the North Carolina Religious Freedom Restoration Act (NC RFRA). The bill defines "exercise of religion" broadly, including the ability to act or refuse to act based on sincerely held religious beliefs, and creates a legal standard that prevents government actions from substantially burdening religious practices unless the government can prove that the restriction is essential to furthering a compelling governmental interest and is the least restrictive means of doing so. The bill modifies existing laws to protect religious gatherings in homes and prevent discrimination, specifically adding protections that prevent homeowners' associations or government entities from restricting religious gatherings or burdening religious practices. During states of emergency, religious institutions are now protected from additional limitations not applied to other similar organizations, though they may still be required to comply with neutral health and safety requirements. The bill provides a mechanism for individuals to assert religious freedom violations as claims or defenses in judicial proceedings, with potential remedies including injunctive relief, declaratory relief, and compensatory damages. Importantly, the bill explicitly states that it does not authorize the government to burden religious beliefs and maintains existing constitutional protections regarding the establishment of religion.

Government Affairs

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H776