SCS/SBs 958 & 657 - This act establishes the compelling state interest test as the burden the state has in restricting the free exercise of religion and the rights of the second amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article I, Section 23 of the Missouri Constitution. No governmental authority may restrict a person's free exercise of religion or right to bear arms unless the restriction is one of general applicability and furthers a compelling governmental interest in the least restrictive means.

Nothing in this act shall be construed to establish or eliminate a defense to a civil action or criminal prosecution based on a federal, state or local civil rights law.

A governmental authority may not restrict a prisoner's free exercise of religion unless it demonstrates that the restriction is reasonably related to a legitimate penological interest and otherwise meets all criteria set forth by the U.S. Supreme Court.

This act is similar to SB 337 (2001).
JIM ERTLE