- Committee -

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