Bill > SB402

This bill, titled the Preservation of Religious Education Act, aims to protect parental rights in choosing religious education for their children and prevent discrimination against religious educational institutions by government agencies. It clarifies that religious schools, including those offering prekindergarten programs, should not face restrictions or requirements that are more severe than those imposed on public or secular nonpublic schools. The bill also ensures that if the state offers educational benefits like scholarships or subsidies, these cannot be denied to religious schools or students attending them. It defines terms like "church-affiliated school" and "governmental educational agency" to clarify the scope of these protections and establishes that violations will be addressed under the existing Preservation of Religious Freedom Act. Additionally, the bill exempts religious prekindergarten programs attached to approved nonpublic elementary schools from daycare and early learning center licensing requirements, while still mandating child safety and welfare standards.