2021 House Bill 4268

Ban infringments of religious practice in response to epidemic

Introduced in the House

Feb. 18, 2021

Introduced by Rep. Luke Meerman (R-88)

To prohibit emergency orders issued by state health department (the Department of Health and Human Services) in response to an epidemic from restricting capacity at a place of worship or prohibiting the exercise of a religious practice, including but not limited to the administration of a sacrament. Also, to establish that a business subject to department lockdown orders or rules is not considered to be in violation if it does not close its doors but does comply with each health or safety precaution that may apply to other businesses that were not ordered to close.

Referred to the Committee on Government Operations

March 24, 2021

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-2) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

May 12, 2021

Substitute offered by Rep. Luke Meerman (R-88)

The substitute passed by voice vote