COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH
OVERSIGHT DIVISION
FISCAL NOTE
L.R. No.: 2844-01
Bill No.: SB 657
Subject: Political Subdivisions and General Assembly: Religion
Type: Original
Date: December 18, 2001
FISCAL SUMMARY
| FUND AFFECTED | FY 2003 | FY 2004 | FY 2005 |
| Total Estimated
Net Effect on All State Funds |
$0 | $0 | $0 |
| FUND AFFECTED | FY 2003 | FY 2004 | FY 2005 |
| Total Estimated
Net Effect on All Federal Funds |
$0 | $0 | $0 |
| FUND AFFECTED | FY 2003 | FY 2004 | FY 2005 |
| Local Government | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Numbers within parentheses: ( ) indicate costs or losses.
This fiscal note contains 3 pages.
ASSUMPTION
Representatives of the Office of State Courts Administrator would expect a number of cases to test the parameters of the proposal but would not expect a significant increase in the number of civil cases, over time.
| FISCAL IMPACT - State Government | FY 2003
(10 Mo.) |
FY 2004 | FY 2005 |
| $0 | $0 | $0 |
| FISCAL IMPACT - Local Government | FY 2003
(10 Mo.) |
FY 2004 | FY 2005 |
| $0 | $0 | $0 |
FISCAL IMPACT - Small Business
No direct fiscal impact to small businesses would be expected as a result of this proposal.
DESCRIPTION
This proposal would require that a test of compelling state interest be applied to all state and local laws in cases which would affect the exercise of religion. No law or regulation could restrict a person's free exercise of religion unless it were in the form a rule of general applicability and did not discriminate against religion or among religions and it furthered a compelling governmental interest in the least restrictive way.
This proposal would apply to all state and local laws, resolutions and ordinances adopted before or after the effective date of this proposal.
This legislation is not federally mandated, would not duplicate any other program and would not require additional capital improvements or rental space. The proposal would not affect Total State Revenues.
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
State Courts Administrator
Jeanne Jarrett, CPA
Director
December 18, 2001