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2000 SESSION

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SB 448 Religious and charitable matters; religious freedom preserved.

Introduced by: William C. Mims | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

Religious and charitable matters; religious freedom preserved. Provides that no government entity shall substantially burden a person’s free exercise of religion except if (i) the government entity proves that application of the restriction to the person is essential to further a compelling governmental interest and (ii) the proposed action is the least restrictive means of furthering that interest. “Government entity” as defined under the bill includes state and local governments and those officials acting under color of state law. The bill provides that a person whose exercise of religious freedom has been burdened may assert a claim of violation in a judicial proceeding and the court may grant appropriate relief, including attorney’s fees.


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