Child welfare provider protections.
Child welfare provider protections. Prohibits the state from discriminating against adoption agencies, foster parents, or adoptive parents on the basis of religious beliefs. Defines certain terms. Waives sovereign immunity for purposes of the prohibition, except that state courts retain immunity. Allows suit under these provisions without exhausting administrative remedies. Provides for a private right of action and civil remedies.
2025 Regular Session
The state shall not discriminate against a person to which the state grants custody of a foster or adoptive child, or that seeks custody of a foster or adoptive child, because of the person's intended or actual: (1) guidance; (2) instruction; or (3) upbringing; of the child based on the person's sincerely held religious belief.
The state shall consider a person to be licensed, accredited, or certified if the person has been denied licensure, accreditation, or certification under state law because: (1) of the person's sincerely held religious belief; or (2) the person: (A) maintains policies and procedures; or (B) acts; in accordance with a sincerely held religious belief.
This chapter must be construed and applied in favor of a broad protection of the free exercise of religious beliefs.
History
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 2025-01-14 | Authored by Senator Johnson T |
| 2025-01-14 | First reading: referred to Committee on Family and Children Services |