Bill > HB2760

This bill, known as the "Protecting Religious Assembly in States of Emergency (PRAISE) Act," amends Missouri law to prohibit the state or its political subdivisions from restricting religious services at places of worship during declared states of emergency, as defined by specific chapters of Missouri Revised Statutes Annotated (RSMo) or orders issued under public health powers. The bill clarifies that if any entity is exempt from such emergency restrictions, religious places of worship must also be exempt, and emergency orders cannot prohibit religious services held on private property. However, these protections do not apply to emergency evacuation orders due to imminent dangers like natural disasters, terrorist threats, or hazardous material incidents that affect the general area, though services can resume once the danger passes. If violated, affected religious institutions can sue for relief, including injunctions, damages, and potentially punitive damages if malice or recklessness is proven.

Government Affairs

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2760&year=2026&code=R