SB551 - Limits restrictions of religious exercise to cases where a compelling government interest is shown

SB 0551

Limits restrictions of religious exercise to cases where a compelling government interest is shown

Sponsor:	Flotron
LR Number:	2435S.01I	Fiscal Note:	2435-01
Committee:	Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence
Last Action:	02/02/00 - SCS Voted Do Pass S Civil & Criminal Jurisprudence		Journal page:
	Committee
Title:
Effective Date:	August 28, 2000

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Current Bill Summary

SCS/SB 551 - This act requires establishes the compelling interest test as the burden the state has in restricting the free exercise of religion. No governmental authority may restrict a person's free exercise of religion unless the restriction is one of general applicability and furthers a compelling governmental interest in the least restrictive means.

An inmate's free exercise of religion may not be restricted, unless the governmental authority demonstrates the restriction is reasonably related to a legitimate penological interest. Nothing in the act shall be construed to establish or eliminate a defense to a civil action or criminal prosecution based on civil rights law.
JOAN GUMMELS