summary
Introduced
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
In Committee
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Creates the Protecting Religious Assembly in States of Emergency Act that may be referred to as the PRAISE Act. Provides that a place of worship is exempted from any order, rule, regulation, ordinance, resolution, or other directive issued by the State government or a unit of local government under 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. Requires the provisions to be construed to give religious organizations and the organizations' places of worship the same degree of freedom to meet as is given 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 Act to seek the following relief: 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 or PRAISE Act, exempts places of worship, defined as buildings primarily used for religious services and their grounds, from state or local government orders that close or limit businesses or facilities open to the public during emergencies or health and safety declarations. The bill mandates that religious organizations and their places of worship be afforded the same freedom to gather as any other favored entity. It also allows individuals or religious organizations to sue if their rights under this act are violated, seeking remedies such as court orders, financial compensation, and, in cases of malicious or reckless behavior, punitive damages. Furthermore, the bill limits the ability of local governments with "home rule" powers to enact regulations inconsistent with these protections and makes a conforming change to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act to ensure that no government official can issue orders that violate the PRAISE Act.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Assignments (on 02/06/2026)
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...