Nevada Protection of Religious Freedom Act (AB 277)

AB 277 would prohibit the state from burdening a person’s exercise of religion whether or not the burden is the result of a rule of general applicability, unless it is essential to further a compelling governmental interest; and the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest.

If a person’s exercise of religion is substantially burdened they may bring a claim in court or may assert a claim or defense in a judicial or administrative proceeding to protect the person’s exercise of religion from the burden and to seek redress for any harm or injuries to the person, whether or not any state or local entity is a party to the proceeding.

The language of the bill would allow religious freedom to be raised as a defense in lawsuits between private citizens and therefore does not track the federal RFRA.

STATUS

Companion bill to SB 272.

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People