Alabama Child Care Provider Inclusion Act (SB 261)

SB 261 would prohibit the state from taking adverse action against a child care service provider on the basis that the provider declines to provide a child care service that conflicts, or under circumstances that conflict, with the “sincerely held” religious beliefs of the provider.

The bill describes “adverse action” as any of the following:

• Refusing to enter into a contract;
• Refusing to renew a contract;
• Canceling a contract;
• Taking an enforcement action against the entity;
• Refusing to issue a license;
• Refusing to renew a license; or
• Canceling a license.

The bill would prohibit the state from forcing providers to discontinue all or some of their child care services because they decline to provide a child care service that conflicts with their “sincerely held” religious belief.

SB 261 would allow child adoption and foster placement agencies the right to discriminate in, or refuse, the services they offer (such as child placement) to LGBTQ families and children.

STATUS

Companion bill to HB 296.

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People