CS/SB 254 — Religious Institutions
by Rules Committee and Senators Brodeur, Perry, and Rodrigues
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee (MS)
The bill creates s. 252.64, F.S., for the protection of religious institutions when an emergency order has been issued.
CS/SB 254 includes:
- For the application of emergency orders, CS/SB 254 defines a “religious institution” in the same manner as under s. 496.404, F.S.
- An emergency order issued under this part cannot directly or indirectly prohibit religious services or activities.
- However, a general provision in an emergency order which applies uniformly to all entities in the jurisdiction may be applied to a religious institution if:
- The provision is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest; and
- The provision is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2022.
Vote: Senate 31-3; House 88-29