Bill > HB2153

This bill amends existing Arizona law to strengthen protections for the free exercise of religion, clarifying that this fundamental right applies even when government actions are neutral on their face. It redefines "exercise of religion" to include the practice or observance of religion and expands the definition of "person" to encompass various entities, including religious assemblies. Crucially, the bill clarifies that "state action," which includes actions by the government or the implementation of laws by any person, cannot substantially burden a person's religious exercise unless the government or the party seeking enforcement proves it's necessary for a compelling government interest and is the least restrictive means to achieve it. The bill also specifies that a person asserting a violation must demonstrate their action is motivated by a sincerely held religious belief and that the state action substantially burdens it, and allows for injunctive and declaratory relief, as well as attorney fees and costs for prevailing parties. The term "substantially burden" is clarified to exclude trivial infractions.