Bill > HB1389

This bill establishes new protections against discrimination in adoption and foster care matters for individuals and religious organizations based on their sincerely held religious beliefs, with an exception only if a discriminatory act is necessary to advance a compelling government interest and is the least restrictive means to do so. It defines "adoption or foster care service" broadly to include various services related to promoting and facilitating adoption and foster care, and defines "discriminate" to encompass a wide range of adverse actions by a governmental entity, such as denying funding, terminating contracts, refusing to recognize licenses, or taking adverse employment actions, when these actions are based on religious beliefs. The bill also specifies that governmental entities may consider a person's religion when placing a child, prioritizing placement with someone who shares the same faith as the child or the child's parents. Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against can file a lawsuit against a governmental entity, and such actions must be brought within two years of the discriminatory act, with potential remedies including damages and attorney's fees.