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2012 SESSION

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HB 189 Child-placing agency; shall not be required to participate in placement of child for foster care.

Introduced by: C. Todd Gilbert | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles | history

SUMMARY AS PASSED HOUSE:

Child-placing agency; conscience clause.  Provides that, to the extent allowed by federal law, no private child-placing agency shall be required to perform, assist, counsel, recommend, consent to, refer, or participate in any placement of a child for foster care or adoption when the proposed placement would violate the agency's written religious or moral convictions or policies. In addition, the bill provides that (i) the Commissioner of Social Services shall not deny an application for an initial license or renewal of a license, nor revoke a license, of any private child-placing agency and (ii) no state or local government entity shall deny a private child-placing agency any grant, contract, or participation in a government program because of the agency's objection to performing, assisting, counseling, recommending, consenting to, referring, or participating in a placement that violates the agency's written religious or moral convictions or policies. The bill provides that the refusal of a private child-placing agency to perform, assist, counsel, recommend, consent to, refer, or participate in a placement that violates its written moral or religious convictions or policies shall not form the basis of any claim for damages. This bill is identical to SB 349.

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

Child-placing agency; conscience clause.  Provides that no private child-placing agency shall be required to consider or consent to any placement of a child for foster care or adoption if such placement would conflict with the religious tenets of the agency's sponsor or any organization or institution with which the agency is associated or affiliated. The bill also provides that such refusal shall not form the basis of any claim for damages for such refusal.